Favorites

We’ve all experienced a time when we could tell we weren’t as loved as someone else. Maybe it was realizing that brother Bob was Mom’s favorite, or finding out that our best friend in the whole world has a new best friend. In our human nature some of us work very hard to keep the favored status or regain what was lost. Jesus very pointedly tells us where He expects to be on our love-scale, “Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me…” (Matt 10:37 NIV)

Assignment

The old Mission Impossible TV series of the mid-1960’s started out each week by giving the operatives a mission. A portion of the pre-recorded instructions to IMF leader Phelps had the caveat, "Your mission, should you decide to accept it..." Believers are often given assignments by the Holy Spirit, but many of us think that we too should have the option of refusing the mission. Jonah refused his assignment, but it only took three days and three nights in the belly of a fish for him to reconsider and become “a sign to the Ninevites”. (Luke 11:30 NIV)

Daily Bread

Jesus gave us the Lord’s Prayer as an example of how we should pray to the Father. I find it interesting that as children we memorize this model prayer, but we rarely recite it as adults. I have a feeling that some of us feel it’s a sign of our ‘maturity’ to leave the model prayer and to be able to craft our own eloquent public prayers on the spur of the moment. Considering the current financial and economical crisis we might want to think about going back to the basics, “Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors…” (Matt 6:9, Luke 11:2)

The Truth Hurts

In talking about unity in the body of Christ, Paul tells us to speak the truth in love. Now I know the ‘in love’ phrase is important, but I think it sometimes keeps us from speaking the truth at all. When we expose a weaknesses or sins in one another, the last thing we’re going to be looking for is the love factor. Too bad Scripture didn’t also instruct us to listen to the truth in love. (Eph 4:15)

Filed

My Mom has been a nursing home resident for a couple of years. Even though at the beginning of her ‘incarceration’ I consolidated her belongings, I still find myself going through boxes to locate pertinent papers. I was on such a search last week when I came across a file folder containing a health and vitamin magazine. The lead article on the front cover boldly stated, “How Not to Have to Go into a Nursing Home”. I’d really like to share my discovery with Mom…but I’m not sure she’d see the humor in it. One of the things that often attract people to the Bible is the, ‘How to Stay out of Hell’ sections. Too bad the rest of the Book gets filed on a shelf.

Leave 'em in the Boat

I like the motivating thought that ‘you can’t expect to walk on water unless you first get out of the boat’. I think some of us are slow to get out of the boat because we don’t want to go alone…we really do want everyone else to come with us. When Jesus called James and his brother John without delay they left to follow him. They not only didn’t ask anyone to come with them, “…they left their father Zebedee in the boat…” Sometimes we just need to leave others in the boat…and throw them a life preserver.

Dead Fish

In relinquishing her position as Alaska’s Governor Sarah Palin said in a news conference, “It would be apathetic to just hunker down and ‘go with the flow.’ Nah, only dead fish ‘go with the flow’.” Maybe that’s why some of us are failing discipleship 101…we’re trying to evangelize folks who just want to go with the flow.

Supplying

Last week a couple from Texas sent a gift to our fledging church with a note saying, “You may use this check for the building or use it to go toward your budget – wherever the need is the greatest.” I think this generosity is reminiscent of the early believers sending collections to needy churches in other areas and communities. Paul is speaking of folks like these when he says, “This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.” (2 Cor 9:12 NIV)

Banquet

Ever since we planted an apricot tree we’ve experienced a spring frost that has killed all the fruit. This year I was excited to see that about 3 dozen apricots had survived the frost, but my happiness was short lived. Yesterday I discovered that every piece of fruit had been pecked by birds and not one piece was left untouched and hanging on the tree. Now I don’t begrudge them their share, but I’m a little miffed. I can’t even tell if this is a tree that bears ‘good fruit’ because I’ve never had a chance to taste it. Jesus said, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.” (Matt 6:26a NIV) I appreciate God feeding the birds…and He feeds them so well.

Martha, Martha

As we settle into our new church facility there are some things that aren’t yet running smoothly. Because our house of worship isn’t quite in order I’m struggling with distractions during the service. For instance, the feedback from sound system contributes some squawks and screeches and serving communion doesn’t flow quite as smoothly as it should because we need a couple more serving trays. We’re unable to offer Sunday School for the young children because the classrooms aren’t yet prepared and if you want a fairly comfortable seat in the worship center you need to come early…or bring your own cushion. I can identify with Martha who was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. Clearly the Lord is talking to me when he says, “Martha, Martha,…you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed.” That is, to sit at the feet of the Lord and listen. (Luke 10:38-42 NIV)

Kiss That Reward Good-By

Recently I attended an open forum meeting where the topic of discussion was community growth. One Christian man used some of his microphone time suggesting the group’s efforts could be better spent on helping the homeless and serving food at meals sites. Boasting of his own service to the poor, he in effect chastised others for their lack of compassion and service. I don’t know how the audience felt about his assertions, but as a fellow believer I was embarrassed for the man and cringed at the shadow of pride he cast.“So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.” (Matt 6:2 NIV)

Cushy

Most of us have an opinion on how money should be spent or how projects should be funded, especially if we’re talking about the government, a community organization or the church. Speaking from a leadership perspective a church newsletter reported, “We have somewhat of a built-in cushion in our checking account [and] We’d rather not dip into Capitol Improvement funds, [but] a portion of the funds have been pulled and kept as an emergency fund…” Whether or not congregants agree or disagree with leadership’s stance really isn’t important, but can’t you just picture the Lord doing an eye roll and saying repeat after me, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”(Matt 6:26 NIV)

Essentials

Some church administrations have cut back on programming by eliminating Sunday evening services, youth groups and Sunday School. The leaders of one congregation describe their actions as more of a philosophical shift than a financial one and feel they are pro-active. In light of the current downturn in tithes and offerings it is a shift they’re happy to make. However, their newsletter attempts to add weight to their current position, “I feel sorry for the organizations that are driven by a high volume of expensive programs and whose people have become accustomed to having them feel they are essential to their ongoing church experience.”

Survival of the Fittest

Whether as an individual, or as a church, we’re all feeling the pinch of the current economic situation. One church reported, “…we have cut many of our ministry budgets by 50% effectively immediately. We are not a staff who believes that money is the key to ministry...” With all due respect to being frugal, I’m not sure how an ongoing ministry survives an immediate 50% cut in their funding. Maybe there are some positives here. This tightening of the belt could result in volunteers looking for new places to serve. I suppose we could also view this as a sort of pruning of ministries…and we know how the Lord feels about pruning.

Seeking

For the last year our church shared space with a funeral home which is located in a semi-industrial area of the city. The facility we recently purchased is in a business area on a highway and everyone is excited about the high visibility. We’ve all agreed it will now be easier to give directions to the church. Interestingly the local Church of Christ is doing the opposite of our congregation. They sold their high visibility property and will soon be moving into a new building, which is located in a residential area. Concerned about her church moving to a secluded suburb, one of their older members remarked, “How are people ever going to find us if we’re not on the main thoroughfare?” Not to worry. God determined the times and exact places where every nation should live, “God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.” (Acts 17:27 NIV).

Powerless

Six years ago it was determined that my Great Aunt Cleo could no longer live alone, much less take care of her large home. She moved into an assisted living facility and after a month she decided that she’d be better off back in her own home. For over a year her family, friends and some hired help rallied around to enable her to stay in her home. Eventually running out of options, she was forced to move to Texas and live with her daughter and son-in-law. After four years it was once again determined that she needed to be in a facility with fulltime nursing care. A few months ago arrangements were made for her to spend one weekend in a nursing home in order to just get a feel for the place. That’s all the time Aunt Cleo needed to decide she would not be one of their residents. This last Wednesday she grudgingly moved into an assisted living facility. I sort of think she’ll stay this time, in part because she had to put down a $2000 non-refundable deposit. Believers think we can’t move mountains...who says the powerless don’t have power.

Button Pushers

Don’t you just hate it when someone learns how to push your buttons? People can really get under a Christian’s skin by characterizing them as holier than thou, hypocrites or Bible thumpers. Recently a person said of me, “…ya know that you sound pretty judgmental and sarcastic for being such a ‘good christian’.” At one time I would have defended myself against this type of criticism. And most likely I’d also have felt discouraged, dejected and worried that I’d somehow devalued my Christian witness. I find it interesting that Jesus didn’t defend himself or react when he was called a blasphemer, law breaker, or criminal. I think Jesus is a good example of how not to let your buttons get pushed.

Please Pass the Plate

Last Sunday was our first service in the ‘new to us facility’ and we had 162 members, visitors and well-wishers in attendance. Naturally, there are a few glitches to work out. In the old facility we were fairly well compacted and had only one isle going down the middle of the church. Those serving communion would send the emblems down a row and the person seated at the end of the line would pass the trays over the shoulder of the person seated in front of them and the trays would work their way back to the server. In our new facility however, we need a new system. We now have two isles, along with double rows of seating on an upper level balcony. Since some of us are still in the ‘let me help you pass the tray’ mode, Sunday’s servers had to do some quick juggling and fast foot work. Communion trays seemed to have a mind of their own zigzagging over shoulders and around the auditorium. Placing the trays back on Communion Table a chuckle went through the audience as one of the elders broke the contemplative silence saying, “Now I’ve just got to ask...Did everyone get served?”

Deferring

I admire those who can make a Christian defense on the spur of the moment, but for many of us our best thoughts come to us only in hindsight. I think some of us can learn something from a technique used by Jesus. Rather than always defending the Father or Scripture, he would sometimes defer to them. “Haven’t you read this scripture…, You are in error because you do not know the scriptures or the power of God…” Sometimes being able to make a case may not be as important as knowing when to defer to the Authority.

Splinters

Our paper reported that two weeks ago a local congregation split off from their denomination. While many people of faith are saddened when congregations divide, God may very well view the situation as an opportunity - for both the old and the new congregations. Normally we wouldn’t consider church-division as being church-planting, but that’s exactly what is taking place. If the splinter group were to walk away from the Lord and abandoned worship altogether, then believers everywhere should indeed grieve the loss. In reality however, those who’ve split are starting another church and simply multiplying the Kingdom of God. This is a time of rejoicing, not grieving.

Money Management

I received a letter from a man who wanted to raise $1,000 for an event. Rather than letting the prospective donors decide what they felt like contributing, he set the amount for them. Taking it a step further, the solicitation letters listed the names of the ten people that he expected to contribute $100 each. I think there are times when we believers also fall into the trap of looking at others with thoughts about how they should spend their money. We mentally critique folks when we think they spend too much, save too little, or just in general should and could be putting their money to better use. God gives us talents (money) according to our ability…and we have the audacity to think we can manage another person’s talents better than he can.

Amputee

The local Episcopal Church had a split and the majority of the congregants have walked away and started a new congregation…and the pastor went with them! It’s my understanding the left-behind group had fewer than a dozen attendees last Sunday. I know this was a hard decision to make for those who left, but I congratulate them for taking a stand against the direction their former parent church is taking. Paul says, “And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.” (Matt 5:30 NIV) Rather than just cutting off a hand or gouging out an eye, I think these folks did some serious amputation.

Coveting

In our younger years most of us were guilty of seeing a gray-headed man driving a new Corvette convertible and thinking aloud, “That guy can’t possible appreciate such a smoking hot car as much as I would if it were mine. What does an old geezer need with a car like that anyway?” Or, we’d see some empty nesters rattling around in a five bedroom home and think, “They couldn’t possibly use all that room. Just think of what I could do if I had that much space.” Maybe our thought wouldn’t run so wild if we took Scripture to heart and actually realized that coveting is a sin…not just a mental exercise. Even Paul admits, “For I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, “Do not covet.” (Romans 7:7b NIV)

Before You Ask

As we continue refurbishing the restaurant and transforming it into a church and we’ve had some interesting visitors drop by. A few days ago a woman stopped in to tell us that her prayer group began praying about the facility when the restaurant closed two years ago. “I just wanted you to know that we were praying that a Christian business would come into this building.” Tell me the Lord doesn’t plan ahead. We’ve only been a church body for one year…two years ago none of us even knew we needed a building. “…for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” Matt 6:8b NIV

Safe n' Sound

Once when I had nursery duty I looked out the window and there, dangling from the tree were leaves, feet and legs. Hanging in the high branches was a group of unsupervised preschoolers having a grand time. Plucking the last one out of the tree I breathed a sigh of relief and borrowed a quote from Jesus. “…I have not lost one of those you gave me.”John 18:9b NIV

Judas

For $660,000 our congregation purchased an upscale facility for our new church home, however not everyone in the community is supportive. There are a handful of folks who think we have too many churches in the area and they really wanted to see the restaurant and bar resurrected. One citizen said, “For a church to pay that much money to obtain real estate is absurd. That money could have actually gone to helping people instead of towards a monument to someone’s ego.” Now let me think, I’ve heard that before…Oh of course, now I remember. At Bethany Mary anointed Jesus with perfume and it was Judas Iscariot who objected. “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” John 12:5 NIV

Catch Me if You Can

Recently I visited with a thirty-something man who manages a local business. He disagreed with some of the city’s ordinances and codes, so his solution was to simply ignore them. “I guess you could say this is just my little protest. I can’t change the rules, but I don’t think I should have to follow them when I think they’re wrong.” I was somewhat taken back by his attitude, especially since he’d had a tour of duty with the Marines. By all appearances he is someone who doesn’t like rules, so I imagine his superiors were glad to see him leave military life and become a civilian again. Many believers are no different than the store manager when it comes to God’s requirements. If we don’t agree with a Biblical mandate, we protest by simply not complying with the ones we think are wrong. Whether in the physical world or the spiritual world we sometimes have arrogant attitudes. What’s unbelievable is we seem to be telling God, “It may be wrong, but first you have to catch me in the act…”

Unaware

We haven’t yet gotten the sign changed on our new church facility, so to the passer-by it still appears to be a restaurant. We did however put a mark of ownership on the marquee which reads, ‘Thank You God’. Yesterday a middle-aged man named John (not Tom in the June 3rd blog) was driving by when he read the marquee and had to stop. Unassuming and soft spoken he said, “I hope you don’t think it’s weird, but the Spirit told me I needed to come in and ask if I could do anything to help. Sometimes I avoid doing what the Spirit tells me to do…but this time I decided I was going to be obedient.” I felt a little funny asking him about doing windows, but he was willing. I was comfortable with the task I’d given him, because it required climbing an eight foot ladder – something that would have been difficult for our ladies. Engaging John in conversation I found out he belongs to another local congregation, he didn’t know that our building was a church…and by profession he is a building contractor. I have to tell you that I felt sheepish having asked a contractor with his own thriving business to simply wash windows. I was reminded of the passage in Hebrews, “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” Heb 13:2 NIV

Password

With computer technology I understand the need for passwords, but they can be taxing and annoying. If I haven’t used a site in awhile, I have a hard time remembering my password, but writing it down in a book defeats the purpose of security. When I’m denied access to a site the prompt comes up saying, “Forgot you password? Click here.” And then after filling out all the needed information there’s a message telling me they’ll get back to me within 24 hours. Believers have a Password of sorts. Whether you’re walking faithfully with the Lord, or you’ve been adrift in the world for years, in times of desperation the name of Jesus comes to the forefront of your mind. Actually, Jesus is not a totally secure Password because even unbelievers call on His Name. Jesus is, “… written on our hearts, known and read by everybody.” 2 Cor 3:2 NIV

The Committeee

Hilary Clinton said that it takes a village to raise a child. In the church we’ve gotten into the pattern of thinking that says it takes a committee to do anything. Actually I think we use the committee system because there’s a measure of protection. It’s much more difficult to find fault with a group of people than it is with just one or two. As we clean and refurbish our new church facility, we’ve been hearing behind the scene questions of, “So who is it that’s making all the decisions?” Speaking from the voice of experience…It doesn’t take a committee to clean the urinals.

The Source

Before reading a magazine article I usually turn to the end of it and read the snippet about the author. For me, the little tacked-on bio adds weight (or not) to the trustworthiness of the article. I’m sure there are logical and aesthetic reasons for ending an article with a bio, however I prefer the format used in the epistles where the author identifies himself and his qualifications at the beginning of the letter. It’s interesting that we wouldn’t think of accepting a story in print without knowing the source, but give us a piece of hearsay and we accept it as gospel. There’ve been times when someone will tell me some bit of information with the caveat of, “I can’t tell you who told me, but…” Jesus knew the importance of giving the source of His words, “The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work.” John 14:10b NIV

Out of This World

It’s not unusual for some of us to get weary of this life. Older folks who are spiritually healthy but physically suffering will often say, “I don’t know why the Lord doesn’t just take me home.” We know in our mind that our timing is not the Lord’s, but that doesn’t keep us from trying to tell Him when we think we’re used up and good for nothing. Even the disciples would have opted for heaven sooner rather than later. Jesus has another plan, “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.” John 17:15 NIV

Window Washer

When I met Tom, we shook hands and he asked me to “come into the light” so he could see what I was saying. Obviously he used lip reading to supplement his hearing aids. Tom stopped by the new church building while some of us were cleaning and he wanted to know if he could clean the windows. In his verbal resume he mentioned that he’d learned to wash windows at a church in Denver. He stated that God had taught him how to do a really good job and that white vinegar was the best thing to clean with. Understanding that we were all cleaning and painting volunteers ourselves, he was quick to say he didn’t expect be paid, he just wanted to serve the Lord. We welcomed Tom, his bucket and his squeegee. When it was time for him to leave he said he’d be back tomorrow to finish the job. "…I was a stranger and you invited me in." Matt 25:35b NIV

Quorum

Before officers or members of a body can legally transact business a quorum must be present. In the case of our County commissioners, two members together make a quorum. With the City Council three need to be present to constitute a quorum. I know that I have the Lord’s attention when I pray as an individual; however my prayer life can also have elements of a quorum. “Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”Matt 18:19-20 NIV

Entrée

The restaurant we are turning into a church has been vacant for two years. Even though we haven’t yet changed the large outside sign, on the marquee underneath the name of the restaurant one of our men put, “Thank You God!” The exterior of the facility is in remarkably good shape and looks so inviting that on two separate occasions we’ve had tourists come in wanting dinner because they thought we were open for business. I think when we’re finally ready to hold worship services we should change the marquee to read, “Now Serving: The Bread of Life”.

Editing

A boy was watching his father, a pastor, write a sermon. “How do you know what to say?” he asked. His father said, “Why, God tells me.” The boy said, “Oh, then why do you keep crossing things out?” I can relate…Taking this thought a step further, many of us also seem to cross things out in our thinking and speaking. Who are we to edit when Jesus says, “For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.” (Luke 21:14-15 NIV)

The Nominee

Federal appeals judge Sonia Sotomayor said that never in her childhood dreams could she have thought of being a nominee to the Supreme Court. She may not have imagined herself on the Supreme Court, however her career path has certainly taken her in that direction. Ms Sotomayor does have a compelling story as a minority woman who worked her way up from the projects of New York and now is being considered for the highest court in the land. I think an even more compelling story is that of fishermen from Galilee who became disciples and were then selected for the highest court in heaven. Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” (Matthew 19:28 NIV)

Genealogy

Our community just played host to the Moving Wall, a memorial inscribed with the names of over 58,000 men and women who lost their lives during the Vietnam War. Among those who attended were school children who were bused to the site. Some of these young people hoped to find their grandpa or uncle on the Wall, but were unable to locate the name in the reference book because they didn’t know the middle name of their relative. Thankfully with our name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, we don’t have to worry…Jesus knows where to find us.

Winning the Lottery

More than a few of us have envisioned winning a lottery or coming into a large unexpected inheritance. It’s interesting how generous we can be with money we don’t have. Our imagination may take us to building a new church, setting up an endowment for our favorite charity, or giving scholarships for young people to attend Christian colleges - all noble causes. On second thought, God, “…is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.” (Acts 17:25 NIV)

Freedom

Americas and Christens have something in common, we were all purchased with shed blood - Freedom is not Free. Do this in remembrance of Me…

Audience of One

To me the phrase ‘for an audience of One’ implies that the only recognition and approval a presenter needs is from the Lord. While I like the sentiment, I’m not sure it’s accurate. We serve the Lord with our preaching, teaching and witnessing, but the audience is actually those who are willing to listen. I recently read an article that said, “If you, the speaker, want to make your presentation meaningful for your audience, you must convince them to make Yes! decisions to these four questions.” 1) Am I going to listen? 2) Am I going to benefit from what is said? 3) Will it be valuable enough to take with me? and 4) Am I going to act on what I hear? Regardless of the size of His audience, Jesus makes it easy for listeners to sort out what is needed and to take it with them

What's in Your Cup?

After separating Malchus from his ear, Peter was commanded by Jesus, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” (John 18:11 NIV) It’s clear that the cup Jesus had to drink was the crucifixion. Sometimes we compare carrying a burden to that of bearing a cross, but the truth is that none of us will bear the cross of crucifixion. We will however drink from the cup and interestingly it’s not an individual customized cup. Jesus said, “You will indeed drink from my cup…” (Matt 20:23 NIV)

Critters

As I’ve mentioned previously my congregation is buying a restaurant and we’re turning it into a church. The current décor is outdoor-rustic and there are lots of animals adorning the walls. Among the menagerie is a full sized mounted cougar, an antelope head and a wing-spread pheasant. While some of the folks sort of like the call-of –the-wild atmosphere, others aren’t so sure. I’m still forming an opinion, but I just can’t quite envision the buffalo head hanging overhead while we’re singing, “We bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the Lord…”

Asherah Pole

We’re currently in the process of buying a restaurant which we will then turn into a church. It would be much simpler if there wasn’t a beautiful 45 foot bar wrapping itself around one edge of the soon-to-be worship area. As you can imagine, on one side we have those who want to keep the bar intact and on the other there are those who want it completely removed. One group is arguing for a serving area, welcome center and Starbucks watering hole. The other contends it takes up too much room and it’s designed for sitting not standing. I don’t think it’s a large leap to compare the restaurant bar with the worship places of other gods mentioned in the Old Testament. King Hezekiah, “…did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. He removed the high places, smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles.” (2 Kings 18:1-4 NIV) A bar by any other name does not a welcome center make…

Christ's Church

Sometimes we fall into the trap of referring to a church by a man’s name. There’s Rick Warren’s church, Joel Osteen’s church and at one time in my community, there was Lloyd’s church. Churches seem to be christened with men’s names depending on the popularity of the presiding pastor in the community. The name of my new congregation is Christ’s Church of the Valley. For me the name isn’t comfortable to say because it feels like a mouthful, but I also don’t like using CCOV because then I must explain to others what the acronym means...which just adds to the mouthful. The middle ground seems to be simply calling it Christ’s Church. Not only is there name recognition for Jesus, but I think there’s only a remote chance of a future Tom, Dick or Harry being elevated over the Name.

Complete Package

We have an interesting prospect for a permanent location for the church and there will be a congregational vote on the property next Sunday. The building, a former restaurant/lounge, is a bank foreclosure. As you can imagine, we’ll need to do a little remodeling and a lot of cleaning. What you may find hard to imagine however, is that it is a fully functioning facility. There are refrigerators, coffee pots, dishes and all the cooking utensils we’ll ever need. The sound system is a 32 channel mixer board with microphones and a mounted video projector and screen. Of course we all know Jesus said, “You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” Now I’m trying to figure out who would’ve thought to pray for all those matching salt and pepper shakers. (John 14:14 NIV)

What's There to Brag About?

Just because a portion of Scripture is speaking to a specific group doesn’t mean that it’s not applicable to the rest of us. Addressing Jews about their self-righteousness Paul said, “…if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth—you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself?” (Ro 2:19-20 NV) It’s interesting that being knowledgeable in the Word is what makes us susceptible to falling into the same trap. Individually we may not be presumptuous enough see ourselves as guides and lights. Too bad we can’t say the same for some of our denominations.

Victory Line

In evaluating a project that’s aimed at solving a social problem, a spokesman said, “Nobody’s drawn a line in the sand to say: This is where the victory line is. We certainly have more that we can do.” If there is one thing a believer learns early in his Christian walk it’s how to draw victory lines. When we invite an unbeliever to church and he comes, it’s a victory. If he someday makes a confession of faith, it’s a victory. When he gets baptized, it’s a victory. Whether it is a social problem or a spiritual problem, there are always victories to win and “We certainly have more that we can do.”

The Go-To-Guys

One criticism we hear in the church is that it’s usually a few people who seem to be doing the majority of the work. We try to infuse new blood in specific ministries, but there’s always that core group who are dependable and faithful in their areas of ministry. Sometimes these go-to folks get weary and understandably, they can even feel a little put upon. I just discovered why these guys with a servant heart are carrying a heaver burden than some of the rest of us. In the Parable of the Talents the master was displeased with the servant who buried his talent rather than at least putting it out for interest. The master ordered, “Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents.” “For everyone who has will be given more…"(Matt 25:28 NIV)

Popularity

The AP reported that the School of Church Music and Worship at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary will no longer be a free-standing school. Citing the sluggish economy and waning popularity, the plan is to combine music and worship with the School of Leadership and Church Ministry, “which has taught future education ministers, youth leaders and other specialized ministries”. A spokesman said the trend of churches moving to guitars and praise courses has eroded the schools entrants over several years. I can understand the sluggish economy taking a toll on programs, but I cringe when I hear of Christian institutions bowing down to the idol of waning popularity.

Sweat Equity

My church is still looking for a permanent facility to call home and last Sunday we were told that one of the properties being considered will require some sweat equity. As we were leaving the worship service one of our young men who is in high school quipped, “You can have my sweat.” You’ve got to love the sacrificial attitude. I think we can say that Jesus too has sweat equity in all who believe in him. Going up to pray on the Mount of Olives he asked the Father if he were willing, to take the cup from him. “And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” (Luke 22:44)

Claim to Fame

I always feel strength and boldness anytime I can publically declare that I’m a Christian. It’s not hard to imagine that those in the early church would have felt a swell of pride in the boast, “The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.” (Acts 11:26 NIV) The footnote on this verse in the NIV Study Bible says, “Christians [the title]. Whether adopted by believers or invented by enemies as a term of reproach, is an apt title for those ‘belonging to Christ’. Well now…doesn’t that just poke a hole in the pride bubble?

Ah-Hah

I love joining in a Biblical conversation where everyone is able to converse knowledgably on the subject at hand. Obviously we don’t all feel comfortable in theological discussions, but most of us can discuss the basic Bible stories we’ve learned in Sunday School. I think however, that we often avoid these well known stories because they’ve been so beaten to death that we figure there’s not any new gems left for adults to discover. The other day the fortune in my fortune cookie read, “No one would remember the Good Samaritan if he only had good intentions.” Ah-Hah!

It's Our Law

Even though Pilate found no basis for a charge against Jesus, the Jews continued to lobby, “We have a law, and according to that law he must die, because he claimed to be the Son of God.” (John 19:7 NIV) Although today we no longer live under the Old Testament law, some of our thought processes may be similar to that of the Jews. It’s no wonder the world is resistant to our message. Some of us have taken the New Testament and turned it into a New Law…and then we insist, ‘We have a law, and according to that law…’

Victorious

In war one of the first orders of spin is to claim victory. Whether it’s John McCain claiming front runner status for the Republican nomination, Goliath heckling the Israelites, or progressive leadership claim to end the traditional church. Many of us today feel the doom and gloom of defeat primarily because others keep telling us that they are victorious. The media can tell us we’re loosing when it comes to abortion, same sex marriage and prayer in school. The truth is that the victory for Jesus is in us as believers, not in the battles we’re fighting.

Filter

I recently read an article on how to build your credibility if you want to establish a blog. One suggestion is to “Become a filter – the go-to person for your area of expertise. People love filters and when you’re a filter, you’re considered an expert.” It’s an interesting thought. Generally speaking the perceived filters in today’s church are the preachers and teachers. Not surprisingly most of us shy away from being the go-to person because, ‘when you’re a filter, you’re considered an expert’. Who would have thought the go-to fellows of the early church were simply fishermen and tax collectors.

Lightly Seasoned

I was once in a class where the teacher tackled a controversial topic and his point of view was not entirely in line denominationally. Although I can’t say that I totally agreed with all the assumptions he made, with the Scripture he presented, I could understand his reasoning. At the end of the class a church leader firmly and publically corrected what had been perceived as errors. A Jew named Apollos spoke boldly in the synagogue. “He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John.” (Acts 18:24-26 NIV) Fellow believers Priscilla and Aquila heard Apollos teach, but rather than correct him publically, “they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately.”

Casting Stones

Commentator Matthew Slick makes a good observation when he says, “The man who strikes first admits his argument has run out.” I can see this played out between Stephen and members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen in Acts 6. The Jews argued with Stephen and discovered “they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke”. Being poor losers, they stirred up the people, the elders and the teachers of the law. Stephen was stoned to death, in essence, for winning the argument. In today’s church we’re much more civilized…we just throw verbal stones. If we can’t win an argument we simply stir up others by labeling the perceived offenders as troublemakers, gossips and dissenters. There’s more than one way to stone a person into silence.

Reinventing

According to the Associated Press Promise Keepers is making another attempt to reinvent itself. The organization filled stadiums in the 1990’s, but changes in leadership and ministry focus caused a drastic slump in attendance. Their leaders began waiving conference fees and bringing in stand-up comics…and now they want to open up the event to women. Promise Keepers must have found the same change-with-the-culture playbook used by many of today’s churches. From a worldly perspective you can’t fault them. Going from a $117 million budget in the 1990’s to a $7.5 million budget in 2009 would drive anyone to the latest membership building methods. Too bad someone didn’t recommend going back to the basics of the Scriptural Playbook.

Your Own Strength

I’ve known some gentlemen who weren’t very gentle when it comes to shaking hands. When greeting them each week I’d try using various techniques to keep from getting my knuckles crunched…patting them on the arm, waving from a distance or even having my hands full. I even tried matching their firm grip as I grasp their hand, but that only seems to encourage a tighter squeeze on their part. While some of us underestimate our own physical strength, there is no doubt that we all underestimate our Christian strength. I think the Spirit within us could and would show more strength if we'd allow Him to flex a little more spiritual muscle.

Hung Out to Dry

In contentious situations, yes even in the church, it’s not unusual to feel like you’re in complete agreement with some of your fellow committee members…that is until you get into the actual meeting. Then it’s like the Tower of Babel all over again and no one is speaking your language. The other day I lamented to a fellow believer that I felt I been hung out to dry and he said, “Look at it like this. If you weren’t ever hung out to dry, you’d always be all wet.”

Fearless

During the question answer portion of the Miss USA pageant, Miss California stated that she holds a traditional view of marriage, which is between a man and a woman. Obviously her views are not politically correct and cost her the pageant crown. In an interview on FOX news Carrie Prejean stated that she will not deny her faith, values or opinions. When ask where she goes from here (her career) she said, “Wherever God leads me…I’m fearless.” What a great statement. Scripture gives comfort when it says, ‘fear not’, but there is power in the statement, ‘I am fearless!’

Grief

There is no right or wrong way to handle grief, but there are times when we (or others) question whether or not our feelings are appropriate. Nathan the prophet told King David that his young son would die. David pleaded with the Lord, fasted and lay on the ground for seven days. As soon as David learned of the child’s death, he got up, washed, put on clean clothes and ate a meal. The servants questioned David’s behavior and he responded, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, ‘Who knows? The LORD may be gracious to me and let the child live.’ But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again?...” (2 Sam 12:22-23 NIV) I appreciate David’s example. In a sense it gives us permission to wash our face, put on clean clothes…and go on living.

Amazing

It’s all a matter of perspective. Jesus went and taught in his home town of Nazareth and many who heard him were amazed at his teaching. I find it ironic that at the very same time Jesus too was amazed by the people…amazed at their lack of faith. (Mark 6:2, 6)

Still in His Hand

Today is the one year anniversary of my church. Our preacher observed that for being only a year old some of us sure look a little weathered. While we’ve averaged over a hundred in weekly attendance, we’ve also had our losses. Since the beginning of the year four of our members have passed away…two of them only yesterday. Our Birthday celebration is bitter sweet but Jesus comforts us when He says, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.” John 10:28 NIV

Young at Heart

Most of us mature as we grow older, with the exception of those who are afflicted with the Peter Pan Syndrome. I think in my younger years I may have felt that the Spirit living within me matured as I matured. It was as though we were a team, learning and becoming wiser together. Has it ever crossed your mind that the Holy Spirit doesn’t age? It makes you wonder how much patience is needed to live in the hearts of believers who don’t want to grow up.

Income Tax

I don’t feel like my New Year really gets underway until after I’ve filed my Income Tax for the previous year. For some reason it’s like a dark ominous cloud hanging over my head until it’s finally in the mail. I wonder if the Israelites felt something similar when they had to go up to Jerusalem every year to offer sacrifices. I suppose they must have felt refreshed, renewed and relieved by having their sins rolled back for another year.

Family Trees

I’m the type of person who likes stability in my life so I have a difficult time understanding the mind set of people who have multiple marriages and divorces. Bill and I hadn’t been married long when I lamented to his Great Uncle about all the broken branches on the family tree. I thought the uncle had been married to the same woman for many years. Come to find out he had divorced the first wife, had a couple of marriages and divorces in between and then remarried the first wife again. My brother-in-law is another example. As he prepared to marry yet again I told my kids half-jokingly, “You don’t have to call her Aunt, because we don’t know how long she’ll be around!” When I go over our family genealogy the stories of the woman at the well (John 4) and the woman married and widowed by seven brothers (Luke 20) don’t seem quite so bizarre after all.

Unbelief

My sister is not a believer, at least not a confessed believer. She has been unable to live on her own for the last year and a half, so she is living with my family. You’ll be pleased to know that I have yet to thump her with my Bible. Although at one time she considered herself agnostic, she does bow with us at meals when we say grace and is privy to our everyday faith-talk. Occasionally she’ll mention having said a prayer about a situation or for an acquaintance. She knows she’s welcome to attend church with us, however the closest she’s come to the front door is to ask how many people we’ve had in worship each week. Christianity doesn’t happen by osmosis, but we do have a way of influencing others. Referring to marriage between a believer and an unbeliever, Paul says that if the unbeliever wants to leave, let him (or her) leave. However, his postscript implies that you don’t ask them to leave, “How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?” (I Cor 7:16 NIV) Even though we want to see people saved, there can be some encouragement in just seeing a little Christianity rubbing off on friends and loved ones.

Making Room

All churches everywhere prepare for an influx of attendees on Easter Sunday. Sometimes visitors are from out of town, but all too often they are the once-a-year church goers. We who attend regularly know and accept that we’ll likely have to squeeze together and sometimes even give up our seats in order to make room for the visitors. Last Sunday when I didn’t see one of our faithful older couples I asked their daughter where they were. “Oh, they’re at home…they’re making room for all the heathens.”

Tidying Up

When I get behind on household chores I sometimes hire a woman to come in and help me catch up on the cleaning. Invariably the day she’s scheduled to come, you can find me picking-up, putting-up and getting things out of her way. Now I know for a fact that this is not just a female phenomenon. If some of the guys are invited over to see a project in a man’s shop, you better know that before they arrive he’s going to be doing a little picking-up and putting-up of his own. Believers often use the same thought process when it comes to their spirituality. If we knew when the Lord was returning for us, you’d see a lot of us tidying up our spiritual house.

Ashamed of My Word

According to news reports Pastor Rick Warren (The Purpose Driven Life) has apologized to his homosexual friends for his past comments in support of California’s Proposition 8, the marriage protection amendment. In a transcript from his sermon in early November Warren tells church members, “…if you believe what the Bible says about marriage, you need to support Proposition 8.” Fast forward to Monday night and the Pastor told the audience of Larry King Live that he never once endorsed Proposition 8. Jesus has something to say about those of us who hide behind political correctness, “If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.” Mark 8:38 NIV

Lost Sheep

When traveling to a neighboring town I saw sheep on the high dessert hillside and the herder’s camp trailer off in the distance. A few days later I had to make the same trip, but this time all the sheep and the camp were gone…no doubt looking for greener pastures. A spring blizzard was in the making and there in a gully beside the road stood one lone ewe huddled behind some of chico brush. Her head was bowed low to the ground as she braced against the wind and snow. Certainly she would die if she were left alone. Jesus said, “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?” (Lk 15:4 NIV) All of us at one time were lost sheep, but unlike the absent herder, our Shepherd knew we were lost and came to find us.

Lamb of God

With very few exceptions sheep lay silently and motionless while they are being sheared. Recently an article about sheep shearing was in the local paper and I found one of the accompanying photos to be a profound and powerful image. The photo shows the profile of a sheep with a stoic face and downcast eyes. Patches of blood on the sheep’s neck caused by a nip of the shearer’s clippers are in sharp contrast to the white wool, and coming from the tip of the sheep’s ear are droplets of blood hanging in mid-air. My thoughts went to Jesus on the Mount of Olives, “And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” The prophet Isaiah says, “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.” Jesus, the Lamb of God." (Lk 22:44 & Isa 53:7 NIV)

Give Us Today Our Daily Bread

I think it’s safe to say that one thing all believers have in common is giving thanks at mealtime. We ask God to bless the food we are about to consume to the nourishment of our body, but it has never occurred to me to give thanks to the God for not eating the food he provided. “…He who eats meat, eats to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains, does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God.” (Ro 14:6b NIV) Whether it’s dieting or the observance of Lent, I’m wondering if some of us may have misplaced thankfulness. My pattern has been to thank God for helping me resist certain foods (sacrifice) rather than giving thanks to Him for abstinence.

Relationships

Jesus had to leave in order for the Holy Spirit to come (John 14 & 16). I imagine if the disciples were given a choice, they would have elected to keep Jesus and forgo the Spirit. After all, they knew Jesus and it was with Him that they had built a relationship. Even today I think many of us have a stronger relationship with Jesus than we do with the Spirit. Not that it’s a negative thing, but I wonder if we are underestimating the importance of developing a personal friendship with the Spirit. Jesus is gone and He wasn’t given the prerogative to return, “He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything…” (Acts 3:21a NIV) The Spirit however, is here with us right now. I’m thinking the Lord would be pleased if we were walking side by side with the Spirit just as the early disciples walked side by side with the Jesus.

Fading Radiance

In my experience when service in a particular area comes to an end, or is taken away, it can be a real downer. It’s hard to see a teacher who no longer teaches or a preacher who no longer preaches. For many of us, our service in the Lord is a projection of God’s glory and some day that glory will fade away. I can empathize with Moses, “… who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at it while the radiance was fading away.” (II Cor 3:13 NIV) Regardless of which side of the veil you find yourself on, it’s painful to see the radiance of our service for Christ fading.

Paradox

When I’ve seen photos of garden tombs that are purported to be (or similar to) where Jesus was buried, my eyes are always drawn to the door jams. About two-thirds of the way up both sides of the entrance, the stone is darkened where visitors have placed their hands as they’ve leaned forward to peer into the empty tomb. It’s interesting that we go to a cemetery because we know our loved ones are there…and yet we go to the garden tomb because we know Jesus isn’t there.

Obedience

After removing Saul God made David king and testified concerning him, “I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.” (Acts 13:22) Even though he’s described as a man doing everything God wanted him to do, I just can’t picture David as the poster child for obedience. As we strive to obey the Lord I suppose we can take some consolation in David’s example. Even if we were to do everything God wants us to do…there are always going to be some things He wishes we wouldn’t do!

Measurement

In an interview with World magazine Charles Murray, author of Real Education said, “America has an irrational love for the Bachelor of Arts degree…” The gist of the article is that getting a B.A. has become the status standard of measurement for higher education. Murray believes however, that certification in particular fields can actually be more valuable than the coveted B.A. Believers as well can fall victim to credentials and man’s measurement. Gone are the days when we can have a degreeless fisherman or a carpenter preaching in the church. “We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.” (I Cor 10:12 NIV)

Accepting

In I Cor 6:9-11 Paul gives us a laundry list of those who will not inherit the kingdom of heaven. Those included often make excuses for their behavior, but the only one on the list that actively asks for and insists upon acceptance, is that of homosexuality. Really, can you imagine an adulterer, a thief or someone who is greedy asking you to accept their behavior because they were born that way? Paul points out that at one time many of us also belonged in the list of the doomed, “But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” I understand that there are those who’d rather find themselves in hell than to accept salvation. What I don’t get is why they think I would, or should, accept and rejoice with them in their condemnation.

Costly

Our leaders encourage us to give generously of our tithes and offerings, but interestingly the church itself is often stingy when it comes to giving to missions. An old time preacher told me the story of a small church back east that for years faithfully gave 50% of it’s offerings to missions. The time came when a new preacher was hired and under his direction the church grew to the point that they needed to expand their facilities. In order to build the new million dollar building however, the leaders reduced the mission budget. It wasn’t long before attendance dropped to pre-new pastor levels and the large facility became home to a small congregation. According to my preacher friend, “They built their building on the backs of missionaries.”

Voices

When God came to Noah, Abraham and Zachariah they all knew it was the Lord speaking to them. Today having the Holy Spirit dwelling within us we may sometimes wonder, “Is that the Spirit speaking to me?” The other night one television character said to another, “That voice inside your head is not your conscience...it’s your ego.” No doubt the Spirit has some competition when it comes to being heard over all the other voices in our heads.

God-free

The Associated Press reported on a humanist ‘congregation’ in Cambridge, Mass that is “church-like, with its parenting classes, guest speakers and small group meetings to hash out sacred beliefs.” Humanist chaplin Greg Epstein is freely borrowing methodology from evangelical churches in an effort to grow God-free congregations. I really can’t fault the chaplin. His marketing efforts seem no different than mainstream evangelical churches borrowing from the world in order to attract the world. Sadly we too sometimes appear God-free.

Calling on Him

Recently a woman in distress called wanting some information. She needed to know who to talk to about getting herself put on the prayer chain. Even though she’s been out of the church loop lately, she was asking for prayer support from active believers. I’d say she knew exactly Who to turn to.

Reminiscing

As a means of motivation Mrs. Burr told her kindergarten class that they can’t go on to first grade until they can tie their shoes. Using problem solving skills five year-old David suggested wearing shoes with Velcro straps, but Mr. Burr wouldn’t budge. The kids had to be able to tie shoe strings and the end of the school year is rapidly approaching. A couple days ago I answered the phone and heard, “G.G…. This is David. Guess what? I get to go to first grade!” It sort of sends me down memory lane and learning that I get to heaven. Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matt 18:3 NIV

Oral Argument

When lawyers present an oral argument before the Supreme Court, they don’t expect a decision from the Justices right away. The court has no time limit on how long it takes to render it’s opinion, other than the decisions must be made before the summer recess. The Justices’ decisions can take days, weeks or even months. I’d say that sounds remarkably similar to our oral arguments before God.

Living Water

In the late summer of 1915 my great-grandparents homesteaded in southeastern Colorado. They settled on land where the prairie grass was high and water flowed in the creeks. Close to a small cottonwood tree they dug a pit and hit a spring that produced two barrels of water a day. Their dreams of ranching however were shattered once they discovered it was an unusually wet year. The spring consistently produced two barrels of water a day…but not a drop more. Because there lacked a sustainable source of water for a ranch, the homestead was abandoned. The spiritual life needs more than a cupful, bucketful or even a barrelful of living water. Jesus offers “…Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:14b NIV)

Screeching Halt

My thought on the effects of the economic crisis as it relates to churches has been centered on the decline of charitable contributions. Until I read an article about church foreclosures. Its one thing for small community churches to tighten their belt, but it’s quite another thing to sustain sprawling religious campuses. When this crisis hit 18 months ago many churches were in the process of expansion and have huge mortgages. You’ve got to admit that the Lord does have interesting way of putting a cease and desist order on the building of towers and the storing of treasures.

Yielding

A few years back I watched the impeachment hearings held with the House Judiciary Committee and heard some of the following back-and-forth statements and questions: “Will the gentleman yield? No, I will not yield to the gentleman. I thank the gentleman for yielding.” As I listened to the proceedings I thought of the Spirit having a similar dialog within believers. When Jesus calls us He’s asking, “Will the gentleman yield?”

Ponzi Scheme

When I’ve studied Jesus’ warning about storing up our treasures on earth, I’ve always focused in on the phrase “…where moth and rust destroy”. Obviously I can’t take any wealth with me when I die, so who cares if it’s eventually destroyed by moth and rust. Most of us are working on storing our treasures in heaven, but with the Bernard Madoff fraud scandal this verse has taken on an expanded meaning. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.” (Matt 6:19 NIV) I don’t know about you, but I hadn’t given much thought to thieves making-off with earthly wealth before I die.

Fairytale

Once upon a time there was a small country church in Good Hope, Alabama. In seven short years the little church grew and grew and grew until it became a coveted mega-church. Their most recent sermon series is promoted on billboards and reads Great Sex: God’s Way. Jerry Lawson, pastor of Daystar Church, says the purpose of the sermons and the billboards is to get Christian parents talking to their kids about sex before they learn too much immorality from TV or playground buddies. Can’t you just see the Holy Spirit wondering how He’s going to work this theme into ‘Come, now is the time to worship…’

Subscribing

The size of our newspaper keeps shrinking and every time the bill comes I wonder if I really need to keep renewing my subscription. When yesterday’s storm dumped a few inches of snow I found myself digging all around the yard and driveway searching for a paper that, if found, may have very little to offer…other than the obituaries. In hindsight I think I did the same thing in my previous church. For years the Word of God just kept shrinking, while I continued to dig and search. I finally came to the conclusion that for me, they no longer offered enough of the Good News.

It's The Thought That Counts

Sometimes when we run up against a really difficult person who negatively affects our lives we’d like someone or something to just take them out of the equation. Not that we’d wish them ill, but scenarios can run through our head as to the easiest way for God to dispose of the agitator. Most of us are good at justifying our thoughts and even taking them captive, it’s making them obedient to Christ that’s the hard part. “…and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (II Cor 10:5b NIV)

Keep Watch

Arriving late to church one of our ladies sheepishly shook her head as she realized she’d forgotten to set her clock ahead an hour. Watching her slip into a chair triggered my thoughts about the reaction of those who will be late for the Second Coming. Unlike my tardy fellow parishioner, these folks won’t get past the closed door much less find an empty seat. Who knows, maybe Jesus forewarned us about Day Light Savings when He said, “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” (Matt 25:13 NIV)

Shovel Ready

One of the key elements in qualifying to some of the stimulus money is to have projects that are ‘shovel ready’ – projects than can begin within 120 to 180 days. This means that all the work such as environmental impacts, feasibility studies and designs have been completed and you’re ready to hit the ground running with your roads and sewer projects. It sort of reminds me of preparing for the old time revivals many churches once held. We’d spend weeks working on our unsaved friends and relatives so we could have them shovel ready for salvation when the preacher came to town.

Mystery Worshippers

I just read an article which said the Wall Street Journal recently reported on churches employing mystery worshippers – a variation of the mystery shopper – who covertly attend church services and evaluate them (clean bathrooms, friendly folks, etc.). I’ll be honest and tell you that my initial reaction was, ‘You’ve got to be kidding!’ However, the writer of Hebrews did cause me a moment of pause, “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” Heb 13:2 NIV

Dog Fight

We are now hearing what’s in the stimulus package and while it may be good news for some, it’s not for others. Because of the stipulations, the size of my community is either too large or too small to qualify for the coveted funding of shovel-ready projects. Granted, those who do get the funding will be taken off priority lists, giving some of the rest of us a chance to get on a list…but I anticipate it’s going to be a dog fight for any funding scraps we try to get. I can so identify with the Canaanite woman who knelt before Jesus asking for help. In parable form Jesus told her He was sent to the Jews, not to the Canaanites. She responded, “Yes, Lord, but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Matt 15:27 NIV

Networking

In the church we’re really skilled at studying, worshiping, and fellowshipping – but we’re lacking when it comes to networking. As defined by Webster’s, networking is: the exchange of information…specifically the cultivation of productive relationships… The Bible has its own definition of networking: “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” (Pro 27:17 NIV) I think many of today’s leaders today shy away from networking because of its revealing nature. Iron sharpening aluminum just doesn’t work.

Mourning

In the last few weeks two members in my congregation have had a family member pass away. One man lost his adult daughter and another lost his wife of over 60 years. I find it remarkable that even though both of these elderly men are in mourning, the next Sunday following each funeral these men were in church. Their grief did not keep them from joining us in worship…even though the chairs that once held their loved one now sat empty. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matt 5:4 NIV