Do You Or Don't You - Belief stems from an original desire. Do you want to believe? If you want to believe, chances are you will find much to support your premise along the way. If you don't want to believe, you will not be disappointed by the amount of material to enable your disbelief. What's your desire?
Yours, Mine, Ours - Isn't it something how right we can be? I had a visit this week from a candidate wanting my vote. Second only to theology, is my desire to debate politics (I am kidding of course). He wasn't interested in what I believe the state government should do. He didn't come to my door to invite me into his circle of advisers. He came to my door to assure me that he was right. The trouble is... I don't care. I know that seems harsh. But I really don't.
God Is Dead - It is always shocking when you hear someone say this. But you can't deny that there is usually much in the person's world to support their claim. Who am I to argue with them? Emptiness, guilt, despair, hedonism, folly, ignorance, broken relationships... do you get the feeling the list could go on and on? What in their life rejects their belief? They are sure they are right. Trouble is I don't care.
He Was Dead - The message of the Followers. The belief of the First Century Christians. The proposition of every sermon in the first few chapters of Acts. Fortunately, the first disciples cared. Purpose, forgiveness, peace, joy, wisdom, restored relationships... the list does go on and on. Death is a harsh reality. Yet life was given over and over and over again.
What's It Going To Be? - I want to believe! I haven't been disappointed. Every turn seems to provide a different view of what I hope. Each day provides support for what I feel. All roads point to what I know. Do I care? Will anyone else?
Friday, July 23, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
Set In Bronze?
Hanging On - Recently, I attended a wedding in Chicago. It was genuinely an amazing day! Memories were definitely made. One memory will live forever for the group of us who shared this particular moment. While standing outside the church building, where the wedding took place, our group couldn't help but notice the statue of St. Paul that hung out over the entrance forty or fifty feet over head. What was he up to?
Waving Them In - Our group jumped to immediate conclusions as to what he was doing... Of course we were in a very spirited mood. It is hard to tell what the arm is doing since it is frozen in time. Was he waving his community in? Okay, we'll go with that. "All are welcome here." Didn't Jesus say, "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses"... oh, wait "Come to me you who are weary and burdened..." What did St. Paul say? "By meekness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you - I, Paul, who am timid when face to face with you, but bold when away."
Study Your Bible - If Paul was perched outside our building he would be reminding us all to study our Bible. We know that each finger represents one Bible discipline, the middle finger reminds us to study it. Maybe that is what Paul is doing.
At A Crossroad - He is overlooking an intersection of two busy streets. Perhaps he is just mimicking what he has seen going on there. As someone pointed out once, Christians need more hand signals at their disposal when driving. "One way to Jesus" doesn't really work.
Frustration, Disillusionment, Rejection, Desertion - I suppose most of us would give St. Paul some latitude in this area. He did have his share of disappointments in ministry. He didn't always respond with the meekness and gentleness of Christ, though I am sure that was the goal he "pressed on toward". He didn't always do what he should do, but he always ended up with his do do. I am so glad what we do isn't set in bronze when we do it!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
A Fitting Tribute
The Wizard of Westwood - Integrity & influence do not hide behind a curtain, smoke or intimidating voices. My earliest recollections of sports includes the domination of UCLA basketball of the early 1970's. My father made sure my brother and I were paying attention to the history being made, but also the integrity being shown. John Wooden passed away this week at age 99. I have enjoyed reading the tributes those that have best known have written over the last few days. When I was ten years old, 35 years ago, Coach Wooden retired from coaching basketball. He was an old man then! He was a Christian for many years and his beliefs were more important to him than basketball, "I have always tried to make it clear that basketball is not the ultimate. It is of small importance in comparison to the total life we live. There is only one kind of life that truly wins, and that is the one that places faith in the hands of the Savior." "Well done, thy good and faithful servant."
The Bride of Troy - Sounds like a movie title. What a special day it was attending Troy and Janice's wedding. It was magical! For me the best part was Ron's tribute to his son and daughter in law. The best I have ever heard. How proud I am of this family and happy for them on this special day. Weddings make clear that Christian love is a decision. Love isn't based on feelings or circumstances, "This is my decision, and nothing will change my mind". God's tribute to mankind in John 3:16 is the same. The Bride of Christ are those of us who have confessed the same love to Him.
The Sousa of Comstock - Voted the best by your teachers. Voted the best by your classmates. Vicki and I are very proud of daughter #1 who graduated this past week. Once you accomplish something no one will ever be able to take it away. If you complete a 50 mile bike ride, it is yours forever. Earn a diploma, an award, or a championship (or ten in twelve years) no one can remove them. The hardware lasts awhile, but the tributes last forever. How will you be remembered?
The Forgiveness of Detroit - A miracle happened last week in the "angriest sports town in America". Less than 24 hours after umpire Jim Joyce stole the first perfect game from the people of Detroit he was cheered in the same venue. How does it happen? There is only one possible way. I have heard my friends for years talk of how unforgiving (and fickle) Detroit fans are, even to their own teams & players. How could the fans at Comerica Park have such a radical transformation? Only one way...brokenness. The umpire became broken and poured himself out before the angry mob. The player...the coach...the team...and then the city followed suit. Forgiveness. How profound that a city so broken themselves by politics, economics & crime could find the grace to forgive. Now can they find the brokenness to be lifted up? That would be a fitting tribute.
The Bride of Troy - Sounds like a movie title. What a special day it was attending Troy and Janice's wedding. It was magical! For me the best part was Ron's tribute to his son and daughter in law. The best I have ever heard. How proud I am of this family and happy for them on this special day. Weddings make clear that Christian love is a decision. Love isn't based on feelings or circumstances, "This is my decision, and nothing will change my mind". God's tribute to mankind in John 3:16 is the same. The Bride of Christ are those of us who have confessed the same love to Him.
The Sousa of Comstock - Voted the best by your teachers. Voted the best by your classmates. Vicki and I are very proud of daughter #1 who graduated this past week. Once you accomplish something no one will ever be able to take it away. If you complete a 50 mile bike ride, it is yours forever. Earn a diploma, an award, or a championship (or ten in twelve years) no one can remove them. The hardware lasts awhile, but the tributes last forever. How will you be remembered?
The Forgiveness of Detroit - A miracle happened last week in the "angriest sports town in America". Less than 24 hours after umpire Jim Joyce stole the first perfect game from the people of Detroit he was cheered in the same venue. How does it happen? There is only one possible way. I have heard my friends for years talk of how unforgiving (and fickle) Detroit fans are, even to their own teams & players. How could the fans at Comerica Park have such a radical transformation? Only one way...brokenness. The umpire became broken and poured himself out before the angry mob. The player...the coach...the team...and then the city followed suit. Forgiveness. How profound that a city so broken themselves by politics, economics & crime could find the grace to forgive. Now can they find the brokenness to be lifted up? That would be a fitting tribute.
Friday, May 28, 2010
The Great Omission
Message To Self - Sunday will be our third message in a series of eight on "Seven Characteristics of Highly Evangelistic Christians". Thom Rainer recently posted an article by the same title compiling his research and study over the last twenty years. His findings boil down to a pattern seen in those who are successful souls winners. Compelled?
I'm Not Gifted - As my friend Ben recently pointed out to me... some of the best soul winners we have known over the years haven't been the most gifted (spiritually) at it, yet have had impressive results. Confused? We were thinking of a lady that attended here years ago. She wasn't outgoing, she wasn't socially engaging, and she could be pretty blunt; yet she is a perfect example of a follower of Christ surrendering to the task of reaching out with His love.
Read It And Weep - I am developing these characteristics with the help of Acts. They weren't all gifted alike but they sure were all highly effective at reaching lost souls. If Rainer has seen these qualities in 20th & 21st century Christians, we should see the same traits in our 1st century counterparts. If Acts were written about your community of believers, how would it read? Counterpart?
Secrets Revealed - "The secret is really no secret at all. More than programs, more than church events, more than anything we are instruments God has chosen to use. Sometimes we ask the question: What is my church doing to become more evangelistic? But the better question is: What am I doing to become more evangelistic?" Curious?
I'm Not Gifted - As my friend Ben recently pointed out to me... some of the best soul winners we have known over the years haven't been the most gifted (spiritually) at it, yet have had impressive results. Confused? We were thinking of a lady that attended here years ago. She wasn't outgoing, she wasn't socially engaging, and she could be pretty blunt; yet she is a perfect example of a follower of Christ surrendering to the task of reaching out with His love.
Read It And Weep - I am developing these characteristics with the help of Acts. They weren't all gifted alike but they sure were all highly effective at reaching lost souls. If Rainer has seen these qualities in 20th & 21st century Christians, we should see the same traits in our 1st century counterparts. If Acts were written about your community of believers, how would it read? Counterpart?
Secrets Revealed - "The secret is really no secret at all. More than programs, more than church events, more than anything we are instruments God has chosen to use. Sometimes we ask the question: What is my church doing to become more evangelistic? But the better question is: What am I doing to become more evangelistic?" Curious?
Thursday, April 29, 2010
For The Health Of It
Take Two - So I completed my first official half marathon this spring. The numbers? 117 (bib), 2:17:17 (chip), 947 (place), 516 (sex), 63 (age)...not much to be proud of in those numbers, but I feel pretty good about the number 2.
Two Hospitals - It has not been uncommon for me to visit both of our local hospitals in the same day, both in ministry and funeral service. It is a part of my job that I really enjoy. Some people don't feel comfortable, but I don't mind as long as I am just there visiting! I am starting to believe those who want to make Kalamazoo the healthiest community in Michigan. We have some pretty awesome services at our disposal. The airplane banner demanding a fair nurse contract would indicate we have some work to do with relationships.
Two Police Stations - Public servants. Some were paid (I'm thinking overtime) some were volunteers. All were servants. There to help, protect, nurse, guide, hydrate, energize and especially encourage every participant. And all were thanked. I couldn't believe the runners thanking every person they passed by. Gratitude was evident. My heart was right...but I was saving my breath.
Two Cemeteries - "Death is the destiny of every man, the living should take this to heart" I have uttered these words a couple hundred times in cemeteries, never as retrospectively as I climbed Mt Olivet hill. Healthy living is good, but it doesn't ensure longevity. Cemeteries are filled with those whose lives were cut short. I admire the runners who love what they do. They don't do it for life, but as life. They really do enjoy it. Some die doing what they love. What do you love doing?
Two Wrong Turns - I guess two dangers would be: If you were in the lead or if you lose sight of anyone ahead of you. Both occurred to the High school student who was disqualified for taking a wrong turn and finishing in second place, only a few seconds ahead of the third place finisher. How surprised was that third place finisher when the guy turned in front of him on the home stretch! There were a couple of miles where I was trying to figure out a way to cut some of the course off. Unfortunately I wasn't in the lead nor was I ever out of any one's sight.
Two Walkers - Pace is everything. The first four miles I stayed behind a young lady who I had trained with. I knew the time she was going to run suited me perfectly. Unfortunately, she peeled off the course to use the ladies room. The middle four miles I found myself pacing with two walkers. That's right. Man & a woman, early sixties, were race walking the half marathon. I asked him his pace and it was exactly what I planned. Unfortunately I lost them on Mt Olivet hill...evidently race walkers don't slow down on hills! Note: They finished 4 minutes ahead of me, exactly at their 10:15 pace!
Two Cheerleaders - Two peculiar things happened in the last mile: I was cheered, encouraged and spurred on to completion by two former church members who never did that for me when they attended here. With my hat, glasses on (not to mention my death crawl) they didn't recognize me when I thanked them...it's probably good, cause I really needed some encouragement right then! There is a hill on Nazareth road as the race winds down. My ipod was blaring some good screaming music at me...but I was thinking, "I sure wish I had the theme of Rocky right now". As I got to the top of the hill, there was a guy blasting The Rocky Theme from large speakers out the back of his truck. It sure hurts to laugh when you're that tired.
Too Soon - What's next? My hope was to do two races this spring. I have trained pretty hard, why settle for one? Well, I could give you several answers why I should (and might) settle for one... but the decision isn't in the number of races but in the number of miles in races. So I'll be sorting these things out. Thank you for your support and encouragement over the years. I appreciate it!
Two Hospitals - It has not been uncommon for me to visit both of our local hospitals in the same day, both in ministry and funeral service. It is a part of my job that I really enjoy. Some people don't feel comfortable, but I don't mind as long as I am just there visiting! I am starting to believe those who want to make Kalamazoo the healthiest community in Michigan. We have some pretty awesome services at our disposal. The airplane banner demanding a fair nurse contract would indicate we have some work to do with relationships.
Two Police Stations - Public servants. Some were paid (I'm thinking overtime) some were volunteers. All were servants. There to help, protect, nurse, guide, hydrate, energize and especially encourage every participant. And all were thanked. I couldn't believe the runners thanking every person they passed by. Gratitude was evident. My heart was right...but I was saving my breath.
Two Cemeteries - "Death is the destiny of every man, the living should take this to heart" I have uttered these words a couple hundred times in cemeteries, never as retrospectively as I climbed Mt Olivet hill. Healthy living is good, but it doesn't ensure longevity. Cemeteries are filled with those whose lives were cut short. I admire the runners who love what they do. They don't do it for life, but as life. They really do enjoy it. Some die doing what they love. What do you love doing?
Two Wrong Turns - I guess two dangers would be: If you were in the lead or if you lose sight of anyone ahead of you. Both occurred to the High school student who was disqualified for taking a wrong turn and finishing in second place, only a few seconds ahead of the third place finisher. How surprised was that third place finisher when the guy turned in front of him on the home stretch! There were a couple of miles where I was trying to figure out a way to cut some of the course off. Unfortunately I wasn't in the lead nor was I ever out of any one's sight.
Two Walkers - Pace is everything. The first four miles I stayed behind a young lady who I had trained with. I knew the time she was going to run suited me perfectly. Unfortunately, she peeled off the course to use the ladies room. The middle four miles I found myself pacing with two walkers. That's right. Man & a woman, early sixties, were race walking the half marathon. I asked him his pace and it was exactly what I planned. Unfortunately I lost them on Mt Olivet hill...evidently race walkers don't slow down on hills! Note: They finished 4 minutes ahead of me, exactly at their 10:15 pace!
Two Cheerleaders - Two peculiar things happened in the last mile: I was cheered, encouraged and spurred on to completion by two former church members who never did that for me when they attended here. With my hat, glasses on (not to mention my death crawl) they didn't recognize me when I thanked them...it's probably good, cause I really needed some encouragement right then! There is a hill on Nazareth road as the race winds down. My ipod was blaring some good screaming music at me...but I was thinking, "I sure wish I had the theme of Rocky right now". As I got to the top of the hill, there was a guy blasting The Rocky Theme from large speakers out the back of his truck. It sure hurts to laugh when you're that tired.
Too Soon - What's next? My hope was to do two races this spring. I have trained pretty hard, why settle for one? Well, I could give you several answers why I should (and might) settle for one... but the decision isn't in the number of races but in the number of miles in races. So I'll be sorting these things out. Thank you for your support and encouragement over the years. I appreciate it!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Tax Day 2010
Franklin Knew - Life's certainties. They do come round. All of a sudden they're here. Faster all the time. "Death where is your sting?" It's coming, don't worry. We will soon find out.
Bees & Mosquitoes - Michigan's certainties. Had a mosquito in the house last night. It had bit three of us before I killed the sucker and got everyone's pathogenic smear all over my arm. Nice mixture. The bees are building their homes right by our front door again. Don't they know they are going to die? Oh, yea...no one survived to warn them last year. It is all about the warnings.
Diet, Exercise and Other Lifestyle Choices - Regardless of when your check comes: weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, whatever...we decide how much tax money is set aside so we aren't socked with a large bill in the middle of April, right? Even when we are self-employed we are informed to be prepared for tax day. We know the 15th is coming. Some of us should be better prepared. We are without excuse.
God Will Not Be Mocked - We do have a tendency to deceive ourselves. Spring is a good time to remember that what is sown is what is reaped. Autumn isn't good and winter is even a worse time for this reminder. And tax day is a great time. It's due. Start planting!
Bees & Mosquitoes - Michigan's certainties. Had a mosquito in the house last night. It had bit three of us before I killed the sucker and got everyone's pathogenic smear all over my arm. Nice mixture. The bees are building their homes right by our front door again. Don't they know they are going to die? Oh, yea...no one survived to warn them last year. It is all about the warnings.
Diet, Exercise and Other Lifestyle Choices - Regardless of when your check comes: weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, whatever...we decide how much tax money is set aside so we aren't socked with a large bill in the middle of April, right? Even when we are self-employed we are informed to be prepared for tax day. We know the 15th is coming. Some of us should be better prepared. We are without excuse.
God Will Not Be Mocked - We do have a tendency to deceive ourselves. Spring is a good time to remember that what is sown is what is reaped. Autumn isn't good and winter is even a worse time for this reminder. And tax day is a great time. It's due. Start planting!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
A Religious Experience
Amen Corner - The Master's officially starts today. Golf doesn't get any better than this week in Augusta, Georgia. Of course, to many, golf couldn't get any worse...it is kinda like talking about NASCAR, oh wait, that is popular. There is something about the mastery of golf in the context of tradition & grandeur, shrouded in the quiet contemplation of walking about acres of beauty surrounded by tens of thousands, yet hearing your own pulse beat in you chest. Cathedral, pilgrimage, great cloud of witnesses, anointed one, forgiveness and redemption...this church has it all. "SHHHHH, quiet please."
2100 Woodward Ave. - Did you know that there is a church here? Tomorrow there will be over 40,000 in attendance, and I will be one of them. I can't wait. I heard this morning that Matt Giraud is singing. Mayor Dave Bing will be there, too. Chris Chelios is hosting us for lunch. "What a day that will be." Of course, they really do need to get the parking fees under control.
Two Of The Biggies - This week's Christian Standard lists two Michigan Churches that rank in the largest congregations of our fellowship. Both were planted by New Churches of Christ Evangelism, whom we support. How appropriate that NCCE will be our guest this weekend. I hope you will come and hear Ron Scott share about this incredible ministry that we partner with.
Ample Parking - God has given each of us unique passions and interests, that we have gotten SERIOUS about. But He has also given us some common assignments to get serious about. This is shaping up to be a monumental weekend. Don't miss out.
2100 Woodward Ave. - Did you know that there is a church here? Tomorrow there will be over 40,000 in attendance, and I will be one of them. I can't wait. I heard this morning that Matt Giraud is singing. Mayor Dave Bing will be there, too. Chris Chelios is hosting us for lunch. "What a day that will be." Of course, they really do need to get the parking fees under control.
Two Of The Biggies - This week's Christian Standard lists two Michigan Churches that rank in the largest congregations of our fellowship. Both were planted by New Churches of Christ Evangelism, whom we support. How appropriate that NCCE will be our guest this weekend. I hope you will come and hear Ron Scott share about this incredible ministry that we partner with.
Ample Parking - God has given each of us unique passions and interests, that we have gotten SERIOUS about. But He has also given us some common assignments to get serious about. This is shaping up to be a monumental weekend. Don't miss out.
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