It's Saturday night. The past two weekends Cindy and I have had the privilege of helping our daughter (our youngest child- at 22 she seems younger than that) move. Last weekend we spent Friday and some of Saturday apartment hunting. This weekend we- and several church families- moved her stuff to Salem for her first full-time apartment all by herself!
I am truly thankful that she has a job- a good job with a future, a job with possibilities for God to use her to impact our world. I am thankful she is a young woman of faith. I am thankful she wants to make her own way and pay for what she can afford. I am thankful that my wife is willing to continue to make sacrifices so that we can serve the Lord in the way we have been called. I am thankful for a church that allows me to serve God in their midst. Though our church is coming through perhaps the most difficult two year stretch of our ministry, we love one another and we are learning to pray for one another and for those God puts in our paths. \
I am thankful for parents who raised me so that faith could grow. I thank God for the head start I had in serving God.
My son is serving our country in the US Air Force- and for he and the thousands and thousands of others serving I daily give thanks. I am thankful he married a wonderful young woman who loves him and puts up with his six month long deployments.
I could probably spend hours and hours compiling lists of things for which I am thankful. Perhaps the most significant part of my life for which I daily give thanks are the relationships God has privileged to bring into my life.
Tomorrow is Sunday- the first Sunday of Advent. Over the past few years I have come to enjoy the Advent season more fully. Focusing on the season enables me to get past the sheer commercialism of Christmas and remember that with the advent of Christ comes all the spiritual blessings and perhaps most significantly, the promise of His second Advent! We celebrate Advent sort of informally at our church- but the Sunday's of Advent are marked by different Scripture readings, the lighting of the Advent Candle, and a particular focus on the multi-dimensional meaning of Christ.
So, welcome to Advent. Welcome to Christ whose presence daily enriches my life. Welcome to the opportunities God brings into my life to deepen my relationship with Him and to share Him with those around me.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Transformation
I've been teaching a class of older adults (yes, it is appropriate that I am in a class of older adults) the book of Acts on Sunday mornings. One of the recurring themes that continue's to arrest my attention is the numerous signs and wonders referred to by Luke as he recounts the expansion of the Kingdom of God. It makes me wonder...First, are we seeing 'signs and wonders' in our ministry? But more importantly, what are we looking for when we talk about signs and wonders? Sometimes I look for those huge, impossible things- mountains that move, earth shifting, paradigm changing events. I wonder if I'm missing the real 'signs and wonders' as God slowly and quietly changes lives? Like the erosion of a river that is only visible over the period of years and sometimes centuries, is God working to make us more like Himself? The big stuff attracts attention- or much of what passes for Christian television would be off the air! In Ed Stetzer and Philip Nation's recent book, Compelled by Love, they mention Jerry Falwell. "To a vast majority of people, Falwell was either a man to love or a man to loath...However, those who knew him through local ministry saw him found a home for unwed mothers and one for alcoholics in recovery. The amount of work he led for the poor, marginalized, and disenfranchised would amaze many." (pp 84-85). Are those the signs and wonders we need to be looking for? People whose lives are transformed becuase someone shared the love of God in a concrete and tangible way?
May God tranform lives through our church! Not necessarily in ways that grab headlines, but in ways that see people fully formed in the likeness of Christ!
May God tranform lives through our church! Not necessarily in ways that grab headlines, but in ways that see people fully formed in the likeness of Christ!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Monday, Monday
Monday Monday, can't trust that day- or so said the Mama's and the Papa's (yes, I know that reference dates me--so I'm old-get over it!)
Took the afternoon off to finish raking the leaves out of my yard. We have three large maple trees - in the summer these trees keep our house cool and comfortable. However, in the fall...Well, let's just say that most of the last three days I've been raking and bagging leaves. The weather has been exquisite. Sunshine, little wind, blue skies, and just right for outside work.
Late last week I received an email from my son who is serving overseas in the US Air Force. His laptop (purchased shortly before he went overseas) died, and he is tired of being away from his wife and family. I honestly don't know how to respond. I wish I had magic words that could speed up his deployment and bring him home, or that somehow I could say just the right thing to improve his outlook.
So, I have a letter going to him tomorrow. I confessed that all of us- yes, even me- have those periods in our lives when we feel like we are on a dead-end street with no end in sight. I told him that the only solution is to do what you have been assigned to do and that God has ways of changing the circumstances to open the dead-end street. I suggested that he read Paul's letter to the Philippians. Though written from prison, Paul expresses an unstoppable joy. So, tonight, I'm going to read Paul's letter myself and sleep well, knowing that God never leaves His own on dead-end streets- here or overseas!
Took the afternoon off to finish raking the leaves out of my yard. We have three large maple trees - in the summer these trees keep our house cool and comfortable. However, in the fall...Well, let's just say that most of the last three days I've been raking and bagging leaves. The weather has been exquisite. Sunshine, little wind, blue skies, and just right for outside work.
Late last week I received an email from my son who is serving overseas in the US Air Force. His laptop (purchased shortly before he went overseas) died, and he is tired of being away from his wife and family. I honestly don't know how to respond. I wish I had magic words that could speed up his deployment and bring him home, or that somehow I could say just the right thing to improve his outlook.
So, I have a letter going to him tomorrow. I confessed that all of us- yes, even me- have those periods in our lives when we feel like we are on a dead-end street with no end in sight. I told him that the only solution is to do what you have been assigned to do and that God has ways of changing the circumstances to open the dead-end street. I suggested that he read Paul's letter to the Philippians. Though written from prison, Paul expresses an unstoppable joy. So, tonight, I'm going to read Paul's letter myself and sleep well, knowing that God never leaves His own on dead-end streets- here or overseas!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Post-Convention
After a long and wet drive home yesterday- and a long eventful day in the office and in a hospital visit I have some time to offer some observations on the NWBC Annual Meeting.
First- Tuesday evening the Order of Business Committee had wanted to create a service where those attending would be able to prayerfully think and reflect on the past- celebrating our victories and confessing our failures. A number of names had been suggested to speak to us that evening. Circumstances were such that we truly believed the best person to lead us in this process was one of our own. We asked the President of the NWBC to speak to us, and we enlisted two amazing worship leaders to work with him. The service was- indescribable. The atmosphere was worshipful, the music was offered in a heartfelt way, the songs were matched to the mood of the evening and the message was exactly what we needed to hear. In a word- indescribable.
Wednesday afternoon was the time set aside for the discussion of the proposal for restructuring. The conversation was handled superbly by our President. The questions and objections were answered with moderation and wisdom by Dr. Crews and Ron Bryant, the parliamentarian. It was the best example of a Baptist business meeting I've ever participated in. There are still unanswered questions, but that is the nature of change. If we knew all the answers- well, that's never going to happen.
A great meeting, wonderful to see old friends (yes, I am old and so are some of them!)
Change is never easy- nor is it much fun, but it is a reality.
One other thought- since Tuesday night I've been carrying a broken piece of pottery- to remind me of two things- the people God has called us to serve are broken; and secondly, as Keith so able said, it takes broken people to reach those who are broken!
First- Tuesday evening the Order of Business Committee had wanted to create a service where those attending would be able to prayerfully think and reflect on the past- celebrating our victories and confessing our failures. A number of names had been suggested to speak to us that evening. Circumstances were such that we truly believed the best person to lead us in this process was one of our own. We asked the President of the NWBC to speak to us, and we enlisted two amazing worship leaders to work with him. The service was- indescribable. The atmosphere was worshipful, the music was offered in a heartfelt way, the songs were matched to the mood of the evening and the message was exactly what we needed to hear. In a word- indescribable.
Wednesday afternoon was the time set aside for the discussion of the proposal for restructuring. The conversation was handled superbly by our President. The questions and objections were answered with moderation and wisdom by Dr. Crews and Ron Bryant, the parliamentarian. It was the best example of a Baptist business meeting I've ever participated in. There are still unanswered questions, but that is the nature of change. If we knew all the answers- well, that's never going to happen.
A great meeting, wonderful to see old friends (yes, I am old and so are some of them!)
Change is never easy- nor is it much fun, but it is a reality.
One other thought- since Tuesday night I've been carrying a broken piece of pottery- to remind me of two things- the people God has called us to serve are broken; and secondly, as Keith so able said, it takes broken people to reach those who are broken!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
NWBC-Pastor's Conference
The Pastor's Conference was today-generally a good meeting. The actual convention begins tomorrow morning. The business session is Wednesday afternoon. Tuesday evening is a scheduled worship service- in theory it is to identify specific sin, to recognize the value of our past, yet to honestly acknowledge that what we have been doing as a state convention is not helping our churches become what God would have them to be, and to prepare hearts for the transition that will be proposed on Wednesday afternoon.
Two quick thoughts before going to bed- personally, I have not spent the time in prayer I would have preferred about the change. Secondly, there are still some unanswered questions that very likely cannot be answered until the plan is approved and we can allow the staff to move forward.
Two quick thoughts before going to bed- personally, I have not spent the time in prayer I would have preferred about the change. Secondly, there are still some unanswered questions that very likely cannot be answered until the plan is approved and we can allow the staff to move forward.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Reluctant Republican
The last few weeks before Tuesday's general election I often told people I was a reluctant Republican. I was disappointed in the massive bailout that passed Congress a few weeks ago. I am frightened by the willingness of our government to nationalize some banking institutions and allowing others to fail. I am concerned that Americans in general support a traditional definition of marriage, but cannot see their way clear to support a clear definition of when life begins.
So, I am reluctant to be labeled a Republican because basic, foundational principles that used to define Republicans are no longer adhered to or even used as a foundation on which to build policy. After Tuesday's Republican demise I began re-reading Arthur Schlesinger, Jr's massive work, The Age of Jackson, hoping it would encourage my hope for the future of the American Republic. I am just a few chapters into the book and am noticing some similarities to the age of Andrew Jackson and our own. Where his era witnessed the transition from an agricultural based culture to one rooted in industry and production, we are witnessing the decline of an industrial based social order and the rise of an informational culture where most production occurs elsewhere. Hmm. When our country was founded almost all industry and manufacturing occurred elsewhere- Great Britain and Europe to be precise. Now, as many have noted, third world countries are discovering the benefits of industrialization- and thus they are capturing most of the manufacturing tasks that were the heart of the American economy for over 150 years.
The basic premises of society were changing as well. During Jackson's era, Jeffersonian democracy - i.e. local and state supremacy- was losing ground to federalism - the rise of the 2nd national US bank, the strengthening of federal tariffs, and the like. The result of many of those decisions played a huge role in the decision of Southern states to secede a few years later. We are watching the demise of federalism and the rise of globalization. Europe is rapidly becoming more Arab and Muslim based- as population shifts are changing the face of France and Britain in particular. America is becoming less White, Anglo-Saxon, Protestant, and more visibly multi-cultural- i.e. the first African-American male to be elected president of the United States; the shift in demographics towards those from Mexico and Central American countries.
So, we are in a changing culture. Many Republican leaders acknowledge the need for change-Gov. Tim Pawlenty notes in an interview, “Demographically, culturally, technologically and economically the country is changing,” he noted, while the GOP is “stuck in a 30-year-old feel in tone and image.”
“We need a more forward-leaning, newer, younger, more diverse party. That does not mean that our values and principles get thrown overboard.
“But you can’t be a majority governing party getting almost no support from African-Americans, modest support from Hispanics, with a major gap with women, and decreasing support from modest income Americans.”
The party, Pawlenty concluded, “needs to be freshened up.” (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/11/06/politics/politico/main4577248.shtml?tag=topStories;secondStory).
So, from this Reluctant Republican, let me offer the following:
Let's make sure we learn from history.
Let's determine to define what it means to be a Republican- a return to our roots.
Let's determine to enlist and support candidates that embody true Republican ideals.
Those would be a place to start!
So, I am reluctant to be labeled a Republican because basic, foundational principles that used to define Republicans are no longer adhered to or even used as a foundation on which to build policy. After Tuesday's Republican demise I began re-reading Arthur Schlesinger, Jr's massive work, The Age of Jackson, hoping it would encourage my hope for the future of the American Republic. I am just a few chapters into the book and am noticing some similarities to the age of Andrew Jackson and our own. Where his era witnessed the transition from an agricultural based culture to one rooted in industry and production, we are witnessing the decline of an industrial based social order and the rise of an informational culture where most production occurs elsewhere. Hmm. When our country was founded almost all industry and manufacturing occurred elsewhere- Great Britain and Europe to be precise. Now, as many have noted, third world countries are discovering the benefits of industrialization- and thus they are capturing most of the manufacturing tasks that were the heart of the American economy for over 150 years.
The basic premises of society were changing as well. During Jackson's era, Jeffersonian democracy - i.e. local and state supremacy- was losing ground to federalism - the rise of the 2nd national US bank, the strengthening of federal tariffs, and the like. The result of many of those decisions played a huge role in the decision of Southern states to secede a few years later. We are watching the demise of federalism and the rise of globalization. Europe is rapidly becoming more Arab and Muslim based- as population shifts are changing the face of France and Britain in particular. America is becoming less White, Anglo-Saxon, Protestant, and more visibly multi-cultural- i.e. the first African-American male to be elected president of the United States; the shift in demographics towards those from Mexico and Central American countries.
So, we are in a changing culture. Many Republican leaders acknowledge the need for change-Gov. Tim Pawlenty notes in an interview, “Demographically, culturally, technologically and economically the country is changing,” he noted, while the GOP is “stuck in a 30-year-old feel in tone and image.”
“We need a more forward-leaning, newer, younger, more diverse party. That does not mean that our values and principles get thrown overboard.
“But you can’t be a majority governing party getting almost no support from African-Americans, modest support from Hispanics, with a major gap with women, and decreasing support from modest income Americans.”
The party, Pawlenty concluded, “needs to be freshened up.” (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/11/06/politics/politico/main4577248.shtml?tag=topStories;secondStory).
So, from this Reluctant Republican, let me offer the following:
Let's make sure we learn from history.
Let's determine to define what it means to be a Republican- a return to our roots.
Let's determine to enlist and support candidates that embody true Republican ideals.
Those would be a place to start!
Monday, November 3, 2008
Kingdom
I've been reading (actually for the second or third time) Kathleen Norris' Dakota. It is a wonderful account of her spiritual journey set in South Dakota. She has a keen insight into small towns and in particular the role of the church in a small town. Her book is refreshing because it presents honestly the feeling of isolation that occurs in small towns, yet she also presents the rich texture of community that is often possible only in small towns.
Earlier today I was in a meeting with people from several different kinds of service agencies in Winston. I am reminded and refreshed by the devotion and commitment to service that I see. It warms my heart on a cold, rainy Monday to be reminded that the gift of God is community- the ability to come together for the common good.
We had a wonderful service yesterday. We celebrated 'Thanksgiving' as a church family last evening- and had a delightful afternoon and evening. God is good, and nothing is more powerful in reminding us of His goodness as His people!
The upcoming election has many people frustrated and more than a little anxious. I am confident on one thing- God is in control. Perhaps, as some are suggesting, it is time for judgment to begin. Let it come. God is able to sustain those whose hearts are truly His.
This Wednesday evening we will be looking at what it means to pray "Thy Kingdom Come" from the Lord's Prayer. In the richness and depth of that phrase one thing I know it DOESN'T mean- that God's eternal kingdom will be like the United States of America! As we pray this petition we are seeking that which is in line with the nature of God- and our republic- as wonderful as it is can only reflect the character of those who engage in it! God's kingdom, however, reflect His nature, His character.
So, no matter what happens Tuesday, we can continue to pray, Thy kindgom come- and we can live in anticipation of God's promise being finally and fully fulfilled!
Earlier today I was in a meeting with people from several different kinds of service agencies in Winston. I am reminded and refreshed by the devotion and commitment to service that I see. It warms my heart on a cold, rainy Monday to be reminded that the gift of God is community- the ability to come together for the common good.
We had a wonderful service yesterday. We celebrated 'Thanksgiving' as a church family last evening- and had a delightful afternoon and evening. God is good, and nothing is more powerful in reminding us of His goodness as His people!
The upcoming election has many people frustrated and more than a little anxious. I am confident on one thing- God is in control. Perhaps, as some are suggesting, it is time for judgment to begin. Let it come. God is able to sustain those whose hearts are truly His.
This Wednesday evening we will be looking at what it means to pray "Thy Kingdom Come" from the Lord's Prayer. In the richness and depth of that phrase one thing I know it DOESN'T mean- that God's eternal kingdom will be like the United States of America! As we pray this petition we are seeking that which is in line with the nature of God- and our republic- as wonderful as it is can only reflect the character of those who engage in it! God's kingdom, however, reflect His nature, His character.
So, no matter what happens Tuesday, we can continue to pray, Thy kindgom come- and we can live in anticipation of God's promise being finally and fully fulfilled!
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