Youth

Written by cycleguy on May 16th, 2013

familyvalues

 

Do you remember this scene from It’s a Wonderful Life?   I think of that often…especially at the age of 60…when I realize I have a lot fewer years left than I have lived.

I also  realize I WOULD ABSOLUTELY NOT WANT TO BE A YOUNG PERSON LIVING IN TODAY’S WORLD!  I mean…I have enough temptation as a 60-year old man without the seemingly unlimited exposure and seemingly uninhibited morals of our culture.  I have a grandson whom I have prayed for every day since I found out Janna was pregnant.  I pray for his heart to belong to the Father at all times.

We also hear the statement “The young people of today are the church of tomorrow.”  I beg to differ.  They are also the church of today.  Study anything about the Millennials (born after 1980) and they are a unique bunch.  But they are also presented unique opportunities/challenges I never had.  Same temptations mind you, but more blatant.

Ryan, our youth pastor, and I will  be team preaching the message Sunday.  The message will focusing on being youth of values.  I’ll be opening it with an emphasis on I Timothy 4: 6-16.   Ryan will be following it up by talking about his ideas and plans for growing the young people in their faith.  My part is simple:

#1: Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths.  [v.7a]  Filters need to be on HIGH these days.

#2: Discipline yourself for godliness.  [v.7b] Discipline in the Greek is “to train.”  Pursue spiritual growth.

#3: Model a Godly Lifestyle. [vv.12-14]  This is tough for all ages, but especially young people.  They don’t want to be left out or stick out.

#4: Pay close attention to yourself and your ministry. [vv.15-16]   The words used in these verses speak of vigilance.

Any to add?  Feel free to make any suggestions.  There is still time for me to add/change!  :)  

 

Posted in Christian living, Preaching, Scripture look, Sermon Series/Topic | 7 Responses »

Opinion

Written by cycleguy on May 15th, 2013

Unless I miss my guess…

EVERYONE HAS AN OPINION. 

Some are quick to let you know what theirs is.

Some are more tactful and will hold off on giving theirs.

Some will go ahead and give their opinion, but it is so well done that no one gets annoyed or offended.

BUT. WE. ALL. HAVE. OPINIONS. 

Some of them are right on the money.

Some are way off base.

Some have no clue what they are talking about, but love to hear themselves talk.

I.  NEED.  YOUR.  OPINION!!

This is not a right or wrong test.  This is not a choke-it-down or let-it-slide test.  I seriously need want your opinion.   Here’s the scenario: this past Sunday I showed this video.   If you want to see how I applied it…and have the time…you can check out the introduction to my sermon here.  (start around 7:50)

So…first do those two things.  Or at least watch the video.

Okay, now…were you offended or did you find the video offensive?  Please be honest.   In particular, were you offended by the 5 second spot at 0:44?  I honestly want to know.  Why?  I was asked about it Monday in a leadership meeting.  When I explained it (anorexic looking into the mirror with a false picture), the leader who was approached by someone concerned about the “amount of skin/girl in her underwear” understood.  But, in all honesty, if it takes an apology/explanation from me for showing it, I will do it.  A leader should never be above saying, “I’m sorry.”  I certainly don’t want someone allowing their feelings to fester and grow into something ugly.  I had no problems with it or I would not have showed it, but if it was insensitive, then I need to know.

SEE WHY I NEED YOUR OPINION?

So…have at it.  Your opinion matters.  I am seeking outside help (you guys) for a better picture of my role in it.  And please…spare me the “you shouldn’t show videos in worship as part of the sermon” spiel.  I will continue using them.  I have wanted to show some which I myself have rejected due to content or language (scenes from a movie).  But I will continue using appropriate videos.

What do you think?  Your opinion matters.  Thanks.

 

Posted in Christian living, Leadership, Miscellaneous, Opinion | 46 Responses »

Sight

Written by cycleguy on May 14th, 2013

This is a continuation of my last post that was getting too long.  I had so much more to say, but word limit was working against me.  Sort of like preaching on Sunday, you know?  :)    Anyway…

I was thrilled Jane came Sunday and found a welcome reception.  She also said some things to her friend that leads me to believe she will want to talk to me some day.  That will totally cool!  I look forward to that day, even though I know she has some tough questions.  Yes, prayers would be appreciated.

BACK. TO. TOPIC.

In all honesty, I don’t know why people want to have piercings and tats.  The piercings look like they hurt and like most people I am not into that kind of pain.  :)   I can’t say I desire a tat, especially at my age.  My one comment is what happens when the guppy becomes a whale?  BUT WHO AM I TO JUDGE WHAT THEY CHOOSE TO DO, WHICH IN MY MIND, INVOLVES A GRAY AREA.  Now granted “cutting” is something totally different, and I do care about that.  What I do want people to know is this:

WITH. OR. WITHOUT. ‘BODY. DESIGNS.” THEY. ARE. WORTH. A. LOT. IN. GOD’S. EYES.

I read a story recently in Mud and the Masterpiece by John Burke about pro baseball player Matt White.  He had an aunt who struggled to make ends meet for years, living on 50 acres of property in Massachusetts.  Due to failing health, she was forced to sell. As an act of kindness he bought her property for the appraised value of $50,000.  While exploring the land to see about building a house, he discovered some outcroppings of stone ledges.

Matt contacted a geologist, who surveyed the land and informed Matt this stone had commercial value for patios and landscapes and could actually be sold for $100 a ton…and he had about 24 million tons on the land.  Appraised surface  value=$50,000; beneath the surface = over $2 billion!  (pp.64-65)

I think that is called “Unless I really like baseball I think I’ll retire.”  :)   Sort of reminds me of Jesus’ story about the man who found a hidden treasure and sold all he had to buy the land.  Or the parable of the pearl of great price.

The point of this story and the point of this post and the last one is this: Jesus looked out at the masses of people and looked beneath the surface.  He saw something of great value.  If we are going to be like Jesus to others, we must see what Jesus sees beneath the surface that’s of infinite worth to God.  We need to see the hidden treasure and pearl of great price, whether “doctored” in piercings and tats; multi-layered makeup and multi-colored hair;  physically fit or overweight;  or any other outward appearance.

SEE PEOPLE AS JESUS SEES THEM!!

How are you at this?  Do you have trouble getting past the obvious outward signs to see inside? 

 

Posted in Christian living, Church, Jesus, Just Wondering, Miscellaneous, Scripture look | 18 Responses »

Worth

Written by cycleguy on May 14th, 2013

I like to schedule my posts to come “live” at 8:00 every night, but life got in the way yesterday and that didn’t happen.  I am a firm believer though in no luck, no random events, no chance.  While getting ready this morning,  I was thinking about this post.  An idea came into my head that wouldn’t let me go.

This past Sunday, as you know, was Mother’s Day.  Like most churches we had our share of “mom visitors.”  You know, those people who come to appease mom.  :)   I’d like to tell you about one of them.  I am going to call her Jane (not her real name).  Several months ago I wrote a post about a local girl who works at a local restaurant who looks, shall we say…different.  One day a pastor came to her station and told her she was going to hell because she had piercings.  I was absolutely flabbergasted.  Keep in mind I had never met this girl, but maybe once in passing.  She had never darkened our church door (or any that I know of).  I was absolutely, totally embarrassed, not to say a tad bit angry.  Who gave him the right to say that, especially to someone he doesn’t even know?  He doesn’t know her story.  He doesn’t know her as a person, except for someone who is doing her job waiting on an arrogant, judgmental pastor.

Anyway, I told the person who related this to me to let Jane know not every pastor feels that way.  For more of my thoughts on a subject like this, check out this post.  What is really cool is Jane came to OVCF this past Sunday.  For the first time.  Pierced.  Multi-colored hair.  Dressed differently, but not offensively.  And emotional.  I found out part of it was the video I showed.  Part of it was the story I told at the beginning.   But a big part of it was people actually talked to her.  Told her they were glad she was here.  She was blown away people would actually treat her as a person.  In fact, as she came out of the ladies room talking with her friend, one of our ladies walked by and said, “Nice hair.”

“Jane, that was a momma with three kids.”

“You’re kidding me.”

“Nope.”

I cannot begin to tell you how good I felt after hearing this conversation.  How “proud” I was of “my” people.  (I know they are HIS but give me some leeway here).   Sort of makes me smile inside knowing that some people have gotten the No Perfect People Allowed thought that has been preached for 8 years.

Yes Jane, you and your friends are welcome at OVCF.  No Jane, your piercings and tats will not send you to hell, no matter what some legalistic, fundamentalist pastor tells you.  If Jesus could open His arms to a woman caught in adultery, He will certainly open His arms to you.

Do you have any thoughts?   (Post continued tomorrow)

 

Posted in Christian living, Church, Just Wondering, Legalism, Opinion | 31 Responses »

FollowUp

Written by cycleguy on May 12th, 2013

In my last post I talked about what I would be preaching on this past Sunday.  I thought I would do a follow up on more of the subject.   I had thought about calling this sermon “A Chicken Pastor’s Approach to Mother’s Day” but I thought better of it.  Although, now that I think of it, that would have been an interesting title.  :)    As I mentioned in the last post, I have taken several different approaches over the past few years.

I have taken the traditional approach of speaking from Proverbs 31 and telling the woman how they are supposed to be.  (Yikes!)  That always goes over  like a lead balloon.  Somebody slap me. :P

For a couple of years, I asked different women (about 4) to choose a woman in the Bible with whom they can relate and share that with the church.  Those actually went over really well.  (I was so proud of my wife who opened her heart on the very first one).

Last year, I opted to take different women in the Bible and use them as an example.  (Dubious at best). :)

This year I wanted to go back to “women involvement,” but it seems whenever I mentioned Mother’s Day to a woman she went into hiding.  Their reaction sort of reminded me of that insurance commercial where the rival sales people dive into bushes or the back of a pickup to avoid being seen.  :)    So, I approached some personally, and our ladies group as a whole, and asked them a simple question: what 3 qualities do you believe are the most important to pass on to your children?  They could use Proverbs 31 as a jumping off point if they desired.  I actually received a pretty good response. Several by email and some by the small form I had handed to them.   Here are their answers:

The following are what I called “stand alones.”  They were mentioned on one or two of the responses:

  • Kindness- compassion and empathy
  • Grace & Truth/Boundaries/Right and Wrong- (combined by me since they follow the same line of thought)
  • Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff- (I like this one)
  • Generosity- possessions, time, self

The following were mentioned on about all of the responses but maybe one or two:

Hard Work- a solid work ethic which also involved obedience.  One mom said, “We had a discussion on doing our best for God’s glory, whether something small (like brushing teeth) or something bigger (like school work).”   Wise mom.  (Check out verses 11-24)

Honesty and Transparency- this was accompanied by Unconditional Love.  (Verses 23-29)

Following Jesus- this was also worded as Fear of God; Devotion to God is #1; Faith.  I was thrilled to see this as the most written response.  (Check out verse 30).

I don’t have much to add.  I wonder what you would write in response to my question to the ladies?  I would like to hear them.  Hope you and those you love had a good Mother’s Day.

 

Posted in Family, Scripture look, Sermon Series/Topic | 24 Responses »

MOMS

Written by cycleguy on May 9th, 2013

familyvalues

 

Yeah, I know it’s early but let me be the first

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY

For some people Mother’s Day is bittersweet.

If you are a woman who has had no children, but want them…it is a day to forget.

If you are a woman and your children have left the nest and will not be able to be with you…it is a day of hoping (they will call).

If you are a man or a woman who has a good relationship with his/her mother…it is a day of celebration.

If you are a man or a woman whose mother has gone to be with Jesus (as mine has)…it is a day of wistful longing, but great appreciation.

There are others I know.  Many woman look forward to Mother’s Day like single people look forward to Valentine’s Day.

I was blessed with a godly mother.  I didn’t always see eye to eye with her, especially when she went through her judgmental Charismatic stage at the same time I was going through my legalistic “you’re full of it” stage.  I’m glad we both woke up long before she went to heaven.

I have also been blessed with a wonderful wife.  Did you know the Hebrew for “helper” or “companion” or “help meet” is actually a combination of two words that mean “lifesaver” and “counterpart?”   This June she will have been that for 40 years.

Every man “has a battle to fight; an adventure to live; and a beauty to rescue.”  Check out more about that here. What about the woman, affectionately known as Eve?

Eve has a desire for a relationship.  She longs to be pursued.

Eve wants to be part of the adventure.  A mistake many men make is leaving their wives out of their adventures.

Eve also has a beauty to unveil.   The haunting question most women have is “Am I lovely?”

I did something different this year.  In the past I have asked several women to speak on a lady in the Bible whom they admire or can relate to.  This year they backed away from me whenever I approached.  :)   So I asked a few personally, and then asked the ladies group to take a look at Proverbs 31 and give me 3 qualities they have tried to pass on to their children.  I then put them together to form a message on values.  I plan to share them with you in my next post.  My sermon is a “Chicken Pastor’s Effort” to encourage the women to be God’s women for this age.  :D    Thanks for your prayers.

What are you doing to honor your mother/wife/grandmother/etc this Mother’s Day?

One more thing:  I am going to introduce the message with a video I found when I read some lyrics in a book.  It is haunting.  If you have a moment, would you please take the time to listen to it here?  Thanks.

 

Posted in Family, Preaching, Scripture look, Sermon Series/Topic | 15 Responses »

Plans

Written by cycleguy on May 8th, 2013

I have become sure of one thing when it comes to plans…

WHEN WOMEN ARE INVOLVED PREPARE TO CHANGE THEM!   :)   :)

That ought to garner me some comments from readers!!!   In fact, my oldest daughter, who is involved in this “changing transaction” will probably comment and might even get her mom to read this post (hey, there’s always a first time for everything!)   Just kidding.  Jo has read a post or two before.  But commenting?  Let’s just say I don’t get paid by her comments.  ;)

Anyway, here’s the deal.  Tami’s birthday is June 3rd and she will be (__) years old.  I’ve always been told it is not good to tell a woman’s age so let’s just say it is between 35 & 40.   Or maybe I could say I wasn’t quite 23 when she was born and I am not quite 61 yet.  :)    Providing I am still alive and kicking at this point, we planned (operative word) to go to Knoxville with our grandson and spend Saturday through Tuesday with her-celebrating her birthday; going to a Smokes baseball game (that way Braden won’t care who wins); maybe do the Titanic museum; and a whole bunch of other stuff in Pigeon Forge.

Hotel reservations.  Check.

Money saved.  (A reasonable) check.

Gas money saved.  (another reasonable) check.

Schedule of leaving and picking up.  Check.

Right to change plans with three weeks left?  Double Check. 

Say what?  Yep.  I got the call this morning.  Plans have changed.  We are no longer going to Knoxville or Pigeon Forge.  Oka-a-a-a-y.  The plan now is for Tami to come here, then ride with us to Columbus to get Braden, and spend the whole week with him in Columbus and Sandusky (where Jo’s sister lives).  Ai-yai-yai (or however you spell that).

But in all seriousness…I am okay with it.  Spending less money is always good, especially less gas money.   Tami gets to spend a whole week with Braden instead of just a couple of days.  Jo’s sister gets to see Tami.  And I get to be driven crazy by a rambunctious 6-year old.  The saying will be true: “I had to come home to get some rest.”  :)

There is one plan that will never change…God’s plans.  “I know the plans I have for you.”  (Jer.29:11)  “The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations.”  (Ps.33:10)  “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” (Pr.16:3)  I am one who believes strongly we have free will to make our own choices.  But I do know when we follow God’s plan, things go a whole lot better.  He has a plan for us. He has a plan for the future.   The first is sometimes hidden. The latter we know: He is coming again.  That plan will never change!!

How do you feel about God’s plan for your life?  Do you know what it is? 

One more thing about our vacation plans: one thing hasn’t changed!

I CAN STILL TAKE MY BIKE!  :)

 

 

Posted in Christian living, Doctrine, Family, God, Little Bit of Fun | 47 Responses »

Circle

Written by cycleguy on May 7th, 2013

Looks like I started either a firestorm or a good discussion in my last post.  :)    Comments varied in response-from yeah to nay.   Thanks to everyone who responded and helped carry on a lively discussion.  For those who did not have a chance to join in, it isn’t too late.  If you choose to respond, I will still post your thoughts.

BUT LET’S TAKE A DIFFERENT LOOK AT THE CHURCH IN THIS POST

I finished Craveable this morning (Tuesday).  I went back in my journal and saw I started on Feb.18.  It is designed to last 40 days.  I think I shattered that record to pieces.   For the math challenged, that comes to a total of 78 days.  ‘Course I am math-challenged so you may want to check it.  ;)   I chose to read and journal only on Monday through Thursday so that’s my excuse.

The last few days/chapters have been dealing with the church (the local body).  Our effect on the culture.  What we are doing to make a difference.  In chapter 36 Artie said, “A craveable church is able to communicate something relevant. What I mean by relevant is something that is useful in everyday life, understandable, and valuable.”  Strange: nothing there about cussing in the pulpit, smoke & lights, and other extras we deem necessary to be “relevant.”  :) Communicate the truth of God, connect it to the world, and watch what happens!

But this last chapter is a jewel:  Our influence comes down to our circle of friends. God puts people into our lives; so does Satan.  God puts them there to stand with us, push us, and help us;  the enemy has other designs. While these people are put into our lives, we choose who will be with us.  They become the circle.   It is proven the longer we are a Christ-follower, the less amount of unbelieving friends we will have.  Here is my question:

IF THAT IS TRUE (AND IT IS), HOW IN THE WORLD CAN WE HAVE THE INFLUENCE WE NEED ARE SUPPOSED TO HAVE?

Strangely, I am not the only one asking this.  Kari addressed the same question in her blog.  Such a fine line we travel.  A great example is Joshua and Caleb.  They were voted down because of the “bad report” people who were able to sway the crowd.  As Artie says, “Keep those ‘bad report’ people out of your circle!”  I couldn’t agree more.  It is way too easy to be influenced defeated by bad seed planted in your garden.  Walk away from them.   “Only the right people will help me accomplish all God has for me to do.” (p.237)

How do you decide your circle?  Are you pretty picky?

The book: Like all books it had its highs and lows.  It is hard to sustain a constant “Good” over the long haul.   Some of it seemed repetitive.  But all in all, I would suggest it as a supplement to your daily (or semi-daily) reading.

 

 

Posted in Christian living, Church, Family, Friendship, Just Wondering | 37 Responses »

Membership

Written by cycleguy on May 6th, 2013

I WANT YOUR OPINION!!

That is my first thought.  As such there is no right and wrong.  There has been talk for quite awhile about the pluses and minuses of church membership.  In fact, there are some pretty passionate people on both sides of the argument.

Some who fight tooth and nail for membership in church.

Some who fight tooth and nail for no membership in a church.

Frankly, I’m not sure where I stand on the issue any more.  Nor am I convinced it really matters.   I see value in both sides.  I see the importance of “belonging” to something, of being able to call it your own.  I also see the value of not being tied down to a certain denomination or circle of thought.

I would think any thinking person would not choose to become a part of something-either seriously or as an observer-if he/she was not on board with what makes that organization (in this case a church)  tick.  Or what drew that person initially.

What got me thinking about this was this devotion by Greg Laurie.    I totally understand what Greg is talking about.   I still struggle some with the feelings he mentions when I know someone who could be there isn’t, but those who have every reason to stay home show up.  It never ceases to amaze me how those who live the farthest away will often be the ones who show up on a snowy day.  :)   I also have to admit being one who for years preached against those who skipped out and didn’t make church-going a priority.  Those legalistic days are gone (thanks be to God!).

But the case before you is not whether church attendance is/should be “mandatory,” but still how important is church membership?  I really do want to know your opinion/thoughts.  As I see it there is no biblical directive, unless I am missing something.  Please feel free to express your opinion and back it up with Scripture if you can.  If not, state it anyway.   How does your church feel about membership?  Does it require it for participation in say, a worship team?  Leadership role?  Volunteer ministry? 

Please let me know your thoughts.  I am running stuff through my mind at this time and have no answer.  Thanks.  For more on this, check out this post.

 

Posted in Church, Just Wondering, Miscellaneous, Opinion | 46 Responses »

Celebrity

Written by cycleguy on May 5th, 2013

Our culture seems to hang a lot on what a celebrity thinks or says.  Some of it might be good;  some no so good.

Mediocre authors gained immediate audiences when Oprah’s Book Club Selection featured his/her book.  It was like “immediate sensation-time” for the author.  Garnering an unprecedented readership from her endorsement was like sausage gravy on a “regular” biscuit.

Advertising knows the value of an athlete with celebrity status.  Shoes. Clothing.

Bedding, but since when does a celebrity-named sheet fit better than a generic one?

Even grills received attention when it said George Foreman in front of it.

Celebrity status reaches the church as well.  We have celebrity TV evangelists…celebrity pastors.  Seems like they were regulars on Larry King Live and are regulars on other talk shows.  Their books sell in stratospheric numbers.  Media hangs on to their words and films their actions (good and bad).  Literally thousands flock to their church buildings for “Christianity Lite” sermons.   Their TV shows are beamed all over the world.  They wear thousand dollar suits or outfits; have their own private planes; million dollar mansions, etc  Their word is like gold.  (Can I throw up now?)

Some pastors are “flash-in-the-pan” celebrities. They give off a flash and then burn out before our very eyes.  Some are innovative creative attention-hungry to the point of ridiculous.   Now, please understand I am not talking about all.  Some have shown staying power by their commitment to biblical integrity and a desire to stay out of the spotlight.  Some have shown a quality that many of the celebrity people wouldn’t dream of having.

AND WHAT IF,  WHAT IF, THERE WAS A SUDDEN INFUSION OF THIS MIRACLE QUALITY?

What quality is that?  Well, here…let me use a quote I read by Louie Giglio tell you:

If Jesus rode in low on a donkey, then we should go ahead and get down off our high horse.

That quality?  HUMILITY

One of the most piercing chapters of The Catalyst Leader by Brad Lomenick is the chapter titled Principled.   Brad gives three elements of being principled.  His #1 element is Humility.  WOW!  Talk about a chapter/section that leaves no stone unturned!  As Rick Warren says, “Humility is not denying your strengths.  It is being honest about your weaknesses.”   Humble leaders don’t need praise, accolades, or credit to perform.   Their answers begin with “we” or “us” or “our,” not “me” or “I” or “my.”

I truly do not begrudge those who are “the person of the moment.”  Unless, of course, their theology is whacked or lifestyle “out to lunch.” God gives each of us a ministry-some are more high profile than others. But in any case, humility is essential.  No matter who we are…what we do…where we live…where we minister.

How important is humility for you to see in your leaders?  Do you have a checking point for your own thoughts about yourself?

 

 

Posted in Christian living, Just Wondering, Leadership | 25 Responses »

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