June, 2010

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Toys

Wednesday, June 30th, 2010

Growing up I don’t remember having a whole lot of toys. We didn’t have much money at all but that was okay because I was born with a vivid imagination. Even today, I don’t have toys. I have my bicycle and I have jigsaw puzzles but I don’t consider either a toy-one is my stress burner and the other is my relaxer. I never have played video games (I know weird but…). I am not a collector. I have a friend who used to collect Star Wars memorabilia. He says it is virtually worthless today. He also collects tons of other stuff as well. If anything, I collect bicycle stuff. So I have always been intrigued, but not really ruffled, by the phrase: “The one who dies with the most toys wins.” On the back of a huge tractor that I was (patiently…ahem) following I saw a take-off on that: “The one who dies with the biggest toys wins.”

Sadly, many people in our world (even Christians) think that philosophy is true. If not in words, at least in action. But the really sad part is that it is not true! There has to be something to Jesus’ words to the rich man when He tells him to give away all his riches and follow Him. In Luke 12: 15-21 Jesus tells the story of the wealthy landowner who decides to tear down his barns and build bigger ones only to be told, “Tonight your soul will be required.” You know the old saying that “you never have seen a hearse with a trailer hitch.” The story is that when John D. Rockefeller died his accountant was asked how much he left behind. The accountant answered, “All of it.”

Please don’t misunderstand what I am saying here. It is not wrong to have toys. It is not wrong to have wealth. It is not wrong to “live large.” It is wrong when one is controlled by their toys and wealth and the desire for more. It is wrong when we turn a blind eye to those in need whom we can help. I think it is pretty safe to say priorities have become skewed.

Do you have any thoughts you might like to share? Do you have any “toys” that you cherish, that maybe you wish you had never started collecting? Well, if you will excuse me I have to go play, I mean, ride my bike.

Posted in Christian living, Just Wondering | 20 Responses »

Just So You Know

Wednesday, June 30th, 2010

Yesterday I submitted a post here and some of you commented on it. Others of you probably received it in your Google Reader, RSS, email or via snail mail. You will also notice that post is no longer here. Please allow me to explain what happened.

I take very seriously my position as pastor of OVCF and dearly love the people God has called me to pastor. In Psalm 78:72 the writer of Psalms writes, “With upright heart he shepherded them and guided them with skillful hand.” The NIV translates that “With integrity of heart he shepherded them.” Years ago I was not a man of integrity. In fact, if the truth be known, I had never heard of the word before. But as I matured I realized that being a pastor was so much more than “what’s in it for me.” (My mother warned me about that attitude but like most kids I didn’t listen to my mom). But one day I read this particular verse in Psalms (from the NIV) and it was like a bell went off in my head. It was time to hunker down and get busy doing God’s work and not mine. If asked to pinpoint a day I would say it was in early 1987 (that ought to tell you how catastrophic an event it was). Ever since I have always tried to go back to that verse as my guiding principle. To say I have messed up and missed the mark a few times would be an understatement. Old habits die hard sometimes but for the most part I have used that verse like a lighthouse beacon for my ministry.

I failed on the post that is no longer here. When I submitted it, I had Techgeek, the one who does the work on my blog and whom I consider a dear friend, send me an email of caution. I pulled the post and redid it to make it much more general. The first post left it to no one’s imagination who I was referring to (if they are from the church and read the post). So I submitted the redone post by simply asking a question but once again it was taken, not as a general question, but as referring to my church situation. I allowed responses and even responded myself but after I had shut down the office for the day and walked out the door, a nagging began in my head and then my heart. By the time I got home (just over a mile) I had a full-fledged “heart ache” and felt God leading me to pull the post. While I realize a pastor can’t please everyone, he can do what he can to not cause undue hurt.

So…if you came looking for further comments or to follow-up on comments or saw something in your Reader, RSS, email or some other feed, and did not find it, there is nothing wrong with your computer. I pulled the post. I make no apology for it but I do apologize if I hurt someone in the backlash. I will post something later today.

Posted in Church, Uncategorized | 14 Responses »

“Lord, Lord”

Monday, June 28th, 2010

Here is one for you that falls somewhere in between the “Oh dear” and “Oh Wow!” spectrum. It also falls under the “Can You Imagine” section of any story-telling library.

During one summer in which President George Bush Sr. was in the White House, he and Mrs. Bush decided to vacation on St. Simon’s Island. They had honeymooned there and so arrangements were made at a five star hotel. They, of course, arrived with a full entourage.

Mrs. Bush asked if the quaint little historic Christ’s Church was still in operation on the island, and she was reassured that it had not missed a Sunday service in more than 225 years. The Wesley’s had visited the island and preached under a tree that still stands on the grounds.

When word got out that they were going to attend, you can only imagine the buzz. When that Sunday morning dawned it found people standing in line waiting to get in. It was a security detail’s nightmare. There was no way to run clearance checks for all the people. Soon though, the President’s limo would arrive and something had to be done…and fast! So the chief of security knocked on the pastor’s door and took him to the front and said, “Here is what we are going to do. You step outside and scan the crowd. Whenever you see the faces of people you recognize as faithful members of this church-the folks who show up every week-we’ll have you point them out and we will escort those folks through the crowd and into the church building.”

You can imagine the look of amusement that came on the pastor’s face as he thought about that and then began with “Those are the Johnsons and the Smiths and the O’Brians…” As he identified the members, people began yelling, “Pick me! I’ve been a resident of this island all my life. Choose me!” “Sorry,” the pastor said. “I can’t ever remember seeing you before.”

After the doors closed, the bodyguards remained immovable. And the doors behind them stayed locked. {Story edited by me. Source: “More Than Meets the Eye” by Dennis E. Hensely}

See what I mean by being between “Oh dear” and “Oh Wow”? I have to admit that I chuckled…hard. Can you imagine if that happened where you worship? How would you react? I am reminded of the Scripture in Matthew 7:21 that says, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” There is also a very obvious reference that could be made to the “Enter in” or “Depart from me” that we must all face. Have any thoughts about this story or in some type of application? I would like to hear your thoughts.

Posted in Christian living, Church, Just Wondering, Little Bit of Fun, Scripture look | 20 Responses »

Carried

Sunday, June 27th, 2010

First a disclaimer: this is a “semi”-book review. You will know what I mean by that phrase “semi” as I move through this post. I have to admit right up front that while I have lost people close to me- I have seen my father-in-law (1998) and mother-in-law (2001) and my own mother (2004) go to be with Jesus- I have never had the pain of losing a child in any way. Both births were normal (C-sections) and without complications. So to write this review and say “I know what a parent is going through” or to be judgmental about thoughts and feelings someone has is not in my vocabulary. Now. It hasn’t always been that way though and this book brought back some of those failings big time. The book I am talking about is I Will Carry You-The Sacred Dance of Grief and Joy by Angie Smith. For an introduction, Angie is the wife of Todd Smith, one of the lead singers of the Christian group, Selah. As they were excited about their fourth child, they received the devastating news that their baby (given the name Audrey) was not “normal” and if she survived the pregnancy would never survive living. Encouraged by many of the “experts” to abort her pregnancy, Angie and Todd chose to give life a chance. This book chronicles Angie’s emotional and spiritual roller coaster as she struggles with, comes to terms with, struggles with, gets angry over, gives in to despair, comes to terms with, struggles with…(you get the idea)…the fact that the baby inside her- while alive and kicking and hiccuping and moving- will never live beyond birth (if she would make it that far). Angie does a masterful job of weaving the ups and downs of her feelings and mixing in Scripture. She puts life “out there” for all to see and takes a chance that there will be those who will condemn her openness, as well as all the questions and doubts she expresses. I must confess that I am a male, and never having experienced this in any way, shape or form, she had me hooked. I found myself riding her roller coaster with tears and trust and questions.

One very valuable part of the book is when Angie gives practical advice on helping those who are going through a pregnancy that is “doomed” from the start. Todd also takes his turn in expressing his feelings in a chapter as “Audrey’s Daddy.” The book concludes with a chapter on helping children grieve (they had three children involved in the whole process during the term of the pregnancy. They hid nothing from their girls). Angie and Todd have shown me/us that in spite of all our questions or doubts God is faithful and He is here. I know my ministry toward couples who are going through this type of pregnancy will take on another dimension. I am also pretty sure that we all know (maybe even some of you) who have lost a child at birth, had a miscarriage, or have given birth to a baby who is “less than perfect.” I suggest very strongly that you buy this book for yourself (but don’t run right out to give it to someone saying, “Here you need to read this”), read it, cry with Angie and then use what you have learned to minister to others.

I am not going to ask you any questions in this post like I normally do. I feel that would take away from what I hope I have conveyed in this semi-review. If you care to share any thoughts you may have then, by all means, feel free to do so. I just encourage you to buy Angie’s book and read with your heart ready to hear God speak. Update: Todd & Angie have become the parents of another little one according this update from their pastor, Pete Wilson.

Posted in Book Review, Christian living, Family, Friendship | 8 Responses »

Know-It-Alls

Friday, June 25th, 2010

There is just something about a know-it-all that gets under the skin. Know what I mean? Ever known one? There doesn’t seem to be a subject they don’t know something about. And while they are telling about it they seem to carry an arrogance that says, “I know something you don’t.” It almost reminds me of the child who says that and has his hands at the side of his head going “Nanananana.” (or however you spell that). Knowledge is a funny thing-it can be good or bad-depending on the person. Knowledge from the school of hard knocks is powerful. But even that should be shared in a humble, non-condescending way. “A big head on a small soul is ugly as an orc.” How’s that for a description?

I Cor.8:1 tells us “knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” In his great chapter on the power of love, I Cor.13, Paul says that if we have all knowledge but don’t have love we are nothing. But it actually goes beyond this. There are tons of people who have a good head knowledge of God but have little to no heart knowledge. Consider this: 1) a person can know a great deal about God without much knowledge of Him and 2) a person can know a great deal about godliness without much knowledge of God. Agree?

In 2 Peter 1 he talks about adding knowledge to goodness. What does he mean? I am going to be talking about that this Sunday morning but I will give you a hint ahead of time. (I just know you are sitting on the edge of your seat right about now). The goal of knowing God is far more important than just knowing about God. In fact, it is even more important than just knowing God. It is also loving God. Deeply. Intimately. Unrestrained. Any thoughts you care to share? They may find their way into my message.

I would deeply appreciate your prayers for me and the church I pastor this Sunday. In reality, it will take on a challenge to step away from an existence into an abiding relationship. Thanks ahead of time.

Thanks once again to Dan Drewes for the banner.

Posted in Christian living, Church, Preaching, Sermon Series/Topic | 17 Responses »

Just a Minute of Your Time

Thursday, June 24th, 2010

I found something recently that I thought was rather interesting:

According to Financial Worth magazine, the most successful stock and bond portfolio manager in 1993 earned for himself $1.1 billion in salary, commissions, and bonuses. This man invested monumental amounts of money on behalf of an elite clientele of wealthy individuals and corporations.

Assuming this man worked a forty-hour work week and only took the standard two weeks of vacation time, his consultation fee would be $550,000 per hour (40 hours x 50 weeks=2,000 hours; $1.1 billion divided by 2000 hours=$550,000 per hour).

Many people don’t make that kind of money in their entire lifetime; yet, here is a man who earns $550,000 per hour, every working hour of the year!

Now, with that in mind, think of how humorous some of our day-to-day catch phrases would sound if they were applied to this man. “Uh, excuse me friend, but can I have a minute of your time? “That depends,” the investor would reply, “on whether or not you have $9,167 you can spare.”

Or how about, “Wait a second, just wait a second, while I explain this,” to which the investor would respond, “OK, but it’ll cost you $152.78 for every second you hold me here.” (Source: “More Than Meets the Eye” by Dennis Hensley)

The phrase “time is money” comes to mind don’t you think? I have often wondered if someone took the time to figure out how many hours I worked and calculated it by so much per hour where I would come out on the spectrum. Then again, I don’t do math and frankly, don’t care.

But this brings to mind something really important to me. First, I am responsible for being a good steward of my time. Second, my time on earth is unknown. I need to love and live life to the hilt (see this post). Third, am I giving my full self freely to the people I love or am I like a calculator? Fourth, aren’t you glad that you have access to God any time of the day or night, 24/7/365 without worrying whether He is going to say? “Sorry dude. Business hours are such-and-such (by voice mail of course). Call back when I have time to set up an appointment,” He took the time on the cross for the thief. He interrupted His day for the woman with the blood problem. He took the time to see Jairus’ daughter. He makes time!! How about you? Do you/are you making time for the people you love? Are you making time for God in your day? I hope so. The “pay me now or pay me later” idea doesn’t sound like a very good option to me. I would love to hear your thoughts.

Posted in Christian living, Just Wondering, Little Bit of Fun | 7 Responses »

Not Long but Full

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010

I have often stated on this blog and in comments throughout the blog world that I want to be one who lives life to the hilt. I always tried to find the joy in life but then several years ago I read Wild at Heart (WAH), whose “mantra” was “Every man has a battle to fight, an adventure to live, and a beauty to rescue.” While some people had trouble with WAH and nit-picked the book to death, I reveled in it. It struck a chord within me. While I don’t subscribe to everything John talks about, I do side with him on the fact that many men have settled for a laid-back, mamby-pamby existence.

Anyway, I recently read a quote by Jim Elliot, the martyred missionary. I have been familiar with his most famous quote for years (and have trouble saying it right): “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Jim and his fellow missionaries lived their lives on the edge. They were willing to take a risk-a risk that cost them their lives. I just read another quote by Jim that I had never heard before.

“I seek not a long life but a full one, like Yours, Lord Jesus.”

I think it is safe to say, for him, it was almost like a self-fulfilling prophecy. Time is passing by and I, for one, do not want to squander what little time I have left on this planet in trivial pursuits that have no eternal value whatsoever. I simply cannot fathom someone walking through a cemetery and coming on my gravestone and seeing inscribed: “He lived. He died. Period.” I want mine to say something like: “He loved. He lived. He laughed. He loves. He lives. He’s still laughing.”

What would you like to see inscribed on your tombstone? How are you living your life these days?

Posted in Christian living, Just Wondering, Just a Quote | 24 Responses »

Second Chances

Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010

While doing research on a possible upcoming sermon series I ran across this illustration that I thought was hilarious:

A man’s name was inadvertently printed in the obituary column of his local newspaper. It may have been a prank or just an accident but you can imagine how it could ruin your day. Not amused, the man got into his car, drove down to the newspaper office, and demanded to see the editor.

The editor came out and said, “Yes sir. Can I help you?”

“I am outraged,” the man said. “You printed my name in the obituary column. As you can see, I am very much alive and well. This is going to cause great embarrassment for me. I will probably even lose business.”

“Sir, I’m sorry,” the editor said. “It was an error, but there is nothing I can do.” Naturally the explanation did not appease the victim. He continued to rant and rave and even threatened to sue the newspaper.

Finally, the editor said, “Cheer up, buddy. Tomorrow, I’ll put your name in the birth column and give you a fresh start.”

I know…I know…groan. But you gotta admit that sometimes that might sound like a mighty good idea! How many of us have made some really stupid messes of our lives and wished we could start all over? The good news is that we can. Initially, for the person who has never crossed the line of faith, he/she can have a brand new start. But for the person who has crossed that line but messes up, a second chance is a refreshing idea.

Have you ever felt that way? Have you ever experienced that second chance to start fresh? You don’t have to share details if you don’t want to and if you do, but want to remain anonymous, I will allow that for this post, but if you would like to share your story I would like to hear it.

Posted in Christian living, Church, Pick me Up | 20 Responses »

A Look Back

Monday, June 21st, 2010

Several coming to my post have expressed that they hope I had a good Father’s Day. I had an absolutely phenomenal Father’s Day except for a minor glitch. This Sunday began like all the others: at the office preparing myself for the message that I had been given to preach. Then I got to be with people I love to be with-my church family. The worship music was touching; the fellowship was meaningful; Communion was special; and the sermon was “found wanting.” Afterwards we went to Texas Roadhouse (my favorite place to get salmon) with one of the young families in the church. After an errand or two, we headed home where I twisted my arm to go for a bike ride. It was about 3:15 and the temps were close to 95 but doggone it that arm-twisting did the trick. (The sad part is that Jo started it all. Do you think she wanted to get rid of me?) I also received a phone call from my oldest daughter earlier in the day wishing me Happy FD and later that evening I answered the phone and heard, “Hi Grandpa! Happy Father’s Day! I love you!” Then just like that…POOF! he was gone. Janna came on the phone and we chuckled then chatted a little. Braden hates talking on the phone but get him in front of you and look out! There is nothing like family to share your heart with. The glitch came during my ride when about mile 14 I was unable to get the chain out of the lower chain ring in the front. I had about 7 left to go and fortunately it was the smaller ring it was stuck in.

I gave a Communion Thought yesterday and during that thought I mentioned that studies have shown that in the U.S. more long distance calls are made on Mother’s Day than on any other day. On Father’s Day more collect call are made. I shared about the time I called Jo’s father to ask him if it would be okay to marry his daughter. He went back to bed laughing. When Jo’s mom asked him what that was all about he said, “Bill asked if he could have my permission to marry Jo.” Then she said, “So, what are you laughing about?” Her dad answered, “He called collect.” Let me tell you…I never lived that down. Until he went to be with Jesus in 1998, he always found that to be a source of amusement. For 25 years he loved my like his own son.

None of us like rejection. You have heard (I am sure) about the son who wrote his dad and said, “Dear dad: no mon, no fun, your son.” To which the father wrote back and said, “Dear Son: Too bad, so sad, your dad.” That is a humorous rejection but there are some rejections that are not funny in the slightest. Whether it be a father wound or a mother wound, a sister wound or a brother wound, a wound is a wound. I am grateful for the people God has brought alongside me to help me through the rejection. I don’t want this to be a post about being rejected so much as I want it to be about this: what are you doing to encourage someone else? It is good for people to know that God is always by their side but sometimes people need someone with skin on them. Who are you encouraging these days? Two Sundays ago a young man I was privileged to spend a summer with as a mentor before he headed off to seminary was ordained. It did my heart good to know that I had some influence (won’t say whether it was bad or good though). So…tell me. Who are you encouraging?

Posted in Christian living, Family, Friendship, Little Bit of Fun, Monday "I Needed That" Moment, Pick me Up | 20 Responses »

Fatherhood & Sacrifice

Sunday, June 20th, 2010

Today is Father’s Day and I wish with all my heart that I could post what some others have posted like Michael does. But I am more like Zee and Phil and others who had fathers that made stabs at being one from time to time but then sort of went AWOL. I love my father but for the past 35 years (yes, that is how old my oldest daughter is! I love you Tami!) ,I have focused on being a father to two wonderful girls. I am grateful for the men God has brought into my life-my grandfather (who poured his life into me), Coach Parrish, Jim Simpson (my first pastoral mentor), my father-in-law and others who have sacrificed themselves to help me become a man of God. While studying for my most recent sermon I came across the following story:

In 1908, Ernest Shackleton led the Nimrod Expedition to reach the South Pole in Antarctica. it was a journey of grueling hardship and inhuman endurance. His team, bone-weary and famished, has to turn back less than 100 miles from their destination. In his diary, Shackleton tells of the moment their food was almost gone, down to a few scraps of hardtack-a bland, dry biscuit. Shackleton distributed it evenly among the men. Some ate it there and then, licking crumbs off their fingers like starved dogs. Others stored it in their food bags for a time when their hunger became a kind of madness.

That night, Shackleton awoke to a sound. He opened his eyes and, lying still, watched. In the ragged circle of firelight he saw a sight that made his heart sink: his most trusted man opening the sack of a fellow next to him and taking out his food bag.

And then Shackleton saw a sight that made his heart leap: his most trusted man placing his own hardtack into the other man’s bag. He wasn’t stealing bread. He was sacrificing his own.

In my mind, that is what being a father is all about. Sacrificing for those God has entrusted to me. It also reminds me of the ultimate sacrifice made by my real Father. If you had an earthly father, what one characteristic stands our to you? What characteristic of your Heavenly Father is best demonstrated by your earthly father? If you care to share, I can rejoice with you or pray with/for you.

Posted in Family, Monday "I Needed That" Moment | 14 Responses »

Cycleguy's Spin

Ramblings from the mind of a guy whose mind is always spinning and a spinning