December, 2014

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Countdown

Wednesday, December 31st, 2014

The ball will soon be dropping.

People all over the country will be watching it and counting down: 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1-HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Then it is “Auld Lang Syne.” (which makes no sense to me).

Then bed…if one has stayed up that late to begin with. Let’s sincerely hope it is not more drinking and driving.

I will be up. The church has a get together on New Year’s Eve from 8-12. We play games, cards, laugh, and eat a lot of stuff we shouldn’t. Keep that bottle of Super Papaya Enzymes handy!

One thing I don’t do with my last post of the year is give any Top 10 of anything. Call me naive (or technologically-challenged) but I don’t keep track of any of that. I also don’t spend a lot of time reflecting on the past year. Sure I look back but not at the depth some do. I have this crazy view: what’s done is done and I can’t change it. Learn from it and move on.

No…I do something much more mature. I post a video. It is the same song every year. Only this year comes with a twist: an update to the song. Well, more like an update to the presentation. You can find it here. I know it is not some of your cup of tea so let me just wish you…

A New Year filled with abundant evidence of God’s amazing grace in your life from beginning to end. Know that no matter what happens it is not outside His eyes that see you and hands that holds yours. His Word is True and Solid. May you find yourself planted by His stream, flourishing as you drink from Him.

I will meet you on the other side…of 2015 or in heaven.

For a little fun, I tried to include the old Official video of this song from 1986 but it is no longer available. However, if you check out this video, take a look at the hair. Is it any wonder they were called Hair Bands?

Oh…FYI: I will be back here late Thursday night with a post ‘more representative of a pastor.” Gasp! That means I have to be mature!  🙂

Posted in Christian living, Little Bit of Fun, Music video, Pick me Up | 19 Responses »

Interruption

Monday, December 29th, 2014

thefi5thgospel

 “We interrupt this program to bring you a special bulletin!”

I know how I used to respond to that….so don’t be throwing something at your monitor/laptop/phone/iPad.

I’m interrupting my posting about Christmas to ask a favor. And no, I’m not asking you to send me money…although…  🙂

Here it is: I just recently finished reading The Fi5th Gospel by Bobby Conway. When I mentioned to some people what I was reading they raised their eyebrows like…say what? But if you look closely it is Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and You. Aptly titled I may add. I think it is a foregone conclusion that many followers of Christ live a life of dichotomy- they say one thing but live another. Most people never read the first four Gospels, but the one they do read is right in front of them. It is Me. It is You.

I am asking now just in case you may be walking away from blogging during the Christmas break; to give you some time to think about my proposition; or to gather the money to buy it.

After the first of the year, I plan to do a weekly series of blogs about The Fi5th Gospel. There is no way I can cover all the good stuff in this book so I wondered if any of you might like to join in with me. My plan is to start January 14th (since I post in the evenings I will actually post at 8:00 on January 13th). Please let me know.

Let me know if you would like to join in on the fun. 🙂 Meanwhile, answer this: how important is it to you for life and words to match?

No this is not a mistake. I am reposting this since I would really like others to take the challenge to join me in posting about this really important book and topic. Rather than rewrite the whole post I simply thought I would just add it into the cue again. Eleven chapters. 12 weeks. Hopefully good discussion. If you want to know more about the book, you can check it out here.

 

 

Posted in Book Discussion, Christian living, Church | 13 Responses »

Alive

Sunday, December 28th, 2014

Just checking in to let you all know I am still alive.

For the first time in over 5 years I have not posted on almost every weekday and every weekend.

I took some advice (my own) and took some time away from the blog, and computer, (and for the most part) my phone, and enjoyed my time away. I left a very small footprint on any blogs over the past week.

I wanted to be “all there.” Our oldest daughter, Tami, has spent the week with us and returns to Knoxville Monday (the 29th). I drove almost 1000 miles visiting, picking up and dropping off relatives, and returning home. I welcomed my bed. For the first time in my life (I think) I fought a cold (or any kind of sickness for that matter) over Christmas. But it didn’t stop me from having a great time with my family.

It was hard getting back into “study mode” for Sunday. My sermon has been done, but the amount of effort it takes to get the mind & heart in gear is tough.

Finally, an 8 year old tornado, aka our grandson, is spending the week with us. So…depending on how that goes, I may be changing my title from “Alive” to “Dead.” Or at least, “Dead on Feet.” 🙂

Hope you had an enjoyable Christmas with your family and friends.

Posted in Family, Miscellaneous, Sunday Meanderings | 22 Responses »

Births

Monday, December 22nd, 2014

If you read yesterday’s post, you will know of my change in the sermon. In my study Saturday night I ran across an interesting thought about births. Many try to make out like Jesus’ Virgin Birth was insignificant; it was like many other births-real or imaginary. I ran across this:

In 1934 the Dionne sisters became the first known set of quintuplets to survive infancy. They were the biggest tourist attraction in Canada for more than a decade.

In 1974 the first set of sextuplets to survive infancy were born in Cape Town, Africa.

In 1997 the first set of septuplets to survive infancy were born in Iowa.

In 1978, Louise Brown was born in England. It is notable because she is the first “test tube” baby conceived by way of in vitro fertilization.

In 2008 a woman gave birth to octuplets by means of in vitro fertilization. (Must be a lesson here somewhere). 😉

Even in the Bible we have some amazing births. Abraham (100) and Sarah (90) gave birth to Isaac. Manoah’s barren wife gave birth to Samson. Hannah’s barren womb was opened for her to give birth to Samuel. Zechariah and Elizabeth (well beyond child-bearing age) gave birth to John.

But every one of the previously mentioned births required two things: a sperm and an egg. That is what makes Jesus’ birth unique. Luke 1:35 says, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you, therefore the child to be born will be called holy-the Son of God.” Contrary to what one of the cults says, Elohim did not come down to earth and have physical sex with Mary. This was completely a miraculous birth.

I am traveling to Ohio this week. I actually left Monday morning so I don’t plan to blog again until this weekend. I hope you have a Christmas filled with wonder-the wonder of celebrating the birth of Jesus and all it brings.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

I am thankful for each one of you.

Posted in Christmas, Doctrine, Jesus, Scripture look | 20 Responses »

Disturbed

Sunday, December 21st, 2014

No, I am not writing about my mental state…although some may be thinking that. 🙂

Something else is on my mind.

SOMETIMES…GOD REALLY DISTURBS ME!

Now, before you accuse me of blasphemy hear me out. This past week I had a man stop in my office. He and his wife have been attending the past several months and have missed a few weeks due to moving. They were in attendance a week ago and will be gone for the next two while on a cruise. Since he comes from a different church background he asked me a question: “I know you obviously plan out your sermons. You have said so. I am wanting to know if you would ever change at the last minute?”

My answer was simple and plain. Yes and I have but not very often.

Can you say open mouth and make presumption? That is what happened yesterday. Saturday night as I studied I could not “get with the program.” The sermon fell on my dead ears. I can only imagine how it would go over with the masses. So I came to the office late Saturday night to redo my sermon. Interestingly, instead of being groggy (it was past my bedtime), I felt energized. I cut out a bunch of material. Added a bunch of new stuff. Went home feeling satisfied.

God’s sense of humor never ceases to amaze me. I still preached on the Virgin Birth but went at it a totally different way. I used Luke 1:25-36. The way I approached it makes the Virgin Birth no less important or essential to believe; I think it made it more understandable and practical.

I’ll share tomorrow (for the sake of length) one of the “new” insights I gained. Has God ever disturbed you like this, or had you get up in the middle of the night or stop what you are doing to pray for someone?

Posted in Christmas, God, Just Wondering, Preaching | 19 Responses »

One

Thursday, December 18th, 2014

“One is the loneliest number that you’ll ever do.” So sang Three Dog Night in the late 60s. They were, of course, talking about love lost.

Back in the 60s and early 70s a movement swept across the landscape of our country which changed things drastically. As prominent as it was, it is the not the VietNam/anti-war movement I am referring to. This one had a different focus.

It changed the religious landscape. It was called the Jesus Movement. You could recognize it by many things-dress, music and signs. One of the most iconic was the index finger raised in the #1 position indicating “One Way.” That One Way was Jesus.

Jesus made a unique claim in John 14:6: “I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life and no one comes to the Father but by Me.” Controversial then. Controversial now. People resent it as much today as they did back then.  It seems even more nowadays due to our pluralistic society which says, “All roads lead to God.”

There are several verses which say the same thing only in different words: Acts 4:12;  John 3:36;  I Timothy 2:5; and I John 5:11-12. Jesus is the One and only way to the Father. There are many reasons why this claim is made by Jesus. One claim stands out…the Virgin Birth. That one belief is the essential thread in His claim.

I will be speaking on “One” this Sunday. As you might guess, there will be a segment where I will spend time on the Virgin Birth. I do believe belief in the VB is absolutely essential for one who wants to be a follower of Jesus. To deny that is to deny His deity, His uniqueness, the thing which sets Him apart from all others.

Thanks for your prayers. It is not an easy subject to speak about.

Posted in Christmas, Doctrine, Preaching, Sermon Series/Topic | 9 Responses »

Expectation

Wednesday, December 17th, 2014

Christmas is a season of expectation.

“Twas the night before Christmas…” is one of them.

“I’m so excited Johnny is coming home from college I can hardly stand it.”

“This is going to be something special. Ever since my son/brother/(whoever) moved across the country, I haven’t seen them. But they are coming back for Christmas.”

Not those kinds of expectations.

My recent post triggered some great comments from people, people whom I daresay understand the whole “holiday blues” far better than I do. I’ve asked my friend, Melanie, if I may use her comment as a “jumping off” point. Here is her comment:

This is such an important topic. I would love to hear a sermon on it, but never have. Our expectations are such a big part of the problem. I have kept hoping for an idyllic Christmas when that makes no sense. The second problem is memory. I remember holidays like most people do–they’re seared into my memory. I think we can fix this by recognizing that amidst any negative memories were some positives. We just ignored them. We can also stop believing that the best Christmases are behind us. Finally, we can be proactive in creating a meaningful Christmas despite the imperfections. We can invite someone new over as you suggest. We can travel. We can arrange to spend time with those who don’t tear us down. I have felt like I *have* to see certain people, but I don’t. The truth is, every single day is Christmas–God with us. That means it will be ok!

This is such spot on advice (you’d think she was a counselor). Oops she was. 🙂 Now her website is psychowith6. Take a moment to digest Melanie’s advice. So practical! Down-to-earth.

I’m not trying to run this into the ground. I just feel we need to know how to help ourselves and others. I hope Melanie’s “advice” can help you with reaching out to others or as the saying goes, “Physician, heal thyself.”

Did Melanie’s words help you see more clearly?

Posted in Christian living, Christmas, Family, Friendship, Health | 16 Responses »

Empathy

Tuesday, December 16th, 2014

This is a post which is not easy to write. Not because I don’t have anything to say (as if…). But more because I don’t want to say anything which may add to the tone of why I am writing this post.

As a pastor I see a lot of hurting people. My office. Sunday worship. Restaurants. Meetings. You get my drift. Ironically, Christmas is one of the most devastating times for hurting people.

Lost love.

Death of a marriage.

Death of a loved one (and possibly the first Christmas without them).

Tight finances.

Poor physical condition which makes celebrating hard.

Holiday depression.

The reasons for the hurt vary. And I am certainly not one who will make light of that hurt. I went through the “first Christmas syndrome” with both my own mother and my in-laws. Some take it harder than others. Because I am a man (Strike 1); knew where they were now (Strike 2); and had my family around for Christmas (Strike 3); I sort of “glided through” the holidays. I was never an emotional wreck during the holidays because of those three “strikes” against me. But that doesn’t mean I didn’t feel the hurt.

But, I’m also not naive. I know there are people who suffer much more deeply than I did.  Years have passed for many and they still cannot stand the holidays. I’ve had this post rolling around in my head for a couple of weeks now, but there are two who actually, not only beat me to the punch, but say it much better than I do. A new blogging friend, Deb, wrote an excellent blog about questions asked during this season.  My friend, Kari, who is in the process of writing a book on depression, has been writing a series of posts dealing with “holiday depression” and how to deal with it. It starts with this one and follows with three more. They give an excellent perspective on facing the holidays.

Here is my summary: everyone faces the holidays in a different way. Some enjoy and celebrate. Some are devastated. Some cover. Be aware of those around you. Keep your eyes open to what people say and how they react. Watch your words carefully, especially if you know someone is hurting. Give a listen. Give a shoulder. Give some face-time if needed. Sometimes all that is needed is for that person to know they are not alone. How about inviting someone who is alone to your Christmas get together? No one should spend the holiday by themselves.

Here is a song (albeit not a “Christian” song) which talks about the hurt the holidays bring. Click on Show More if you need help with the lyrics.

Posted in Christian living, Christmas, Family, Friendship, Health, Music video | 29 Responses »

Interruption

Monday, December 15th, 2014

thefi5thgospel

 “We interrupt this program to bring you a special bulletin!”

I know how I used to respond to that….so don’t be throwing something at your monitor/laptop/phone/iPad.

I’m interrupting my posting about Christmas to ask a favor. And no, I’m not asking you to send me money…although…  🙂

Here it is: I just recently finished reading The Fi5th Gospel by Bobby Conway. When I mentioned to some people what I was reading they raised their eyebrows like…say what? But if you look closely it is Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and You. Aptly titled I may add. I think it is a foregone conclusion that many followers of Christ live a life of dichotomy- they say one thing but live another. Most people never read the first four Gospels, but the one they do read is right in front of them. It is Me. It is You.

I am asking now just in case you may be walking away from blogging during the Christmas break; to give you some time to think about my proposition; or to gather the money to buy it.

After the first of the year, I plan to do a weekly series of blogs about The Fi5th Gospel. There is no way I can cover all the good stuff in this book so I wondered if any of you might like to join in with me. My plan is to start January 14th (since I post in the evenings I will actually post at 8:00 on January 13th). Please let me know.

Let me know if you would like to join in on the fun. 🙂 Meanwhile, answer this: how important is it to you for life and words to match?

 

 

Posted in Book Discussion, Christian living, Church | 16 Responses »

Goal

Sunday, December 14th, 2014

I met a goal this past Saturday. Every year I set a goal for miles I would like to ride on my bike. My goal this year was 2500. That was a lofty goal considering I had no clue we were going to have the winter from you-know-where. Snow. Ice. Cold. Knee surgery. So riding really didn’t start until sometime in March, and then had to start slowly due to the knee surgery. Riding slows down drastically in November and December due to the weather so I was happy to finally reach my goal.

I don’t always set goals. I have an aversion to considering numbers are an indication of success or not, especially in a church setting. Don’t get me wrong: I like it when the numbers go up. But when someone uses numbers against you and as a way to either have you dismissed or push for it, the use of numbers as a “success line” diminishes. But there are those who use numbers as a way to validate what they are doing or validate themselves as a person.

It is true I set a goal for cycling. It sort of motivated me to ride longer than I have in awhile. I also know numbers can motivate some to push forward. But I guess what will always be in my head is motive, motive, motive.

My goal this Christmas season has been to slow down and focus on others. i want to especially remind myself to enjoy the Christmas season and the ONE who gives the meaning to the season. I hope you will join me. Maybe this song can be a good reminder for you.

What are you doing to make this season more memorable for you?

Posted in Christian living, Christmas, Just Wondering, Music video, Pick me Up, Sunday Meanderings | 17 Responses »

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