Crazy Presbyterian Pastor

What is a real present?

2011-12-14T10:26:00.001-06:00

This morning I watched the most disturbing Christmas video ever. It was about Jimmy Kimmel and a challenge he gave to viewers to give their children the worst Christmas present ever. Now, the premise of this challenge was to see the reaction of little children to bizarre and wrong gifts. I was appalled at two points.

My first problem was with the parents who were willing to do this challenge. Why would a parent offer an early Christmas present that they did not intend to give. These were rotten food, onions, and other strange items.

The other issue is to what we have made our children into over the years with Christmas. Not one of the children were appreciative of the gifts. They were all upset. Some of the children through a fit. If you have not watched this, I do want to warn you of a few negative words from a child at the end. Please listen and watch with out the kids in the room.

All of this may seem like a rant on modern understanding of Christmas. True, I do not like the commercialism of this sacred day. What is truly appalling is the fact that this is being passed around Facebook and YouTube as humor. We are willing to ridicule our children to get them on the television for a few brief moments.

I admit I have not finished all my Christmas shopping and still looking for something special for some people in my family. I hope I will not find a reason to make fun of them this year. If I do, I do not think I will make a video for on Facebook. But, no matter what I give to others, I hope they revive it with gratitude. After watching this, I want to have some gratitude for every gift.

The Yoke of Christ

2011-10-25T10:51:00.000-05:00

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30, NIV)

I am reading Dietrich Bonhoeffer's book, Discipleship. Some may know it better under the older title, The Cost of Discipleship. But a newer translation has been made and this is the title of the book I am working on at this time. No matter the name, Bonhoeffer has in his preface a discussion of the yoke of Christ. This idea has been in my mind this morning for a number of situations. The least of which is the personal desire to follow Christ better.

The idea of the Yoke of Christ is taken from the quote above and from other areas in the Gospels. Jesus tells His listeners and us today to take upon our selves the yoke He offers. Now, in most situations and through out the New Testament, many would consider taking on the yoke of Christ to mean something along the lines of following the grace brought through Christ and removing the burden of the law. This would be a very simple and great gift to the people of Jesus time who were burdened by attempting to follow a very hard and arduous set of rules imposed by the religious elite. Is this all Jesus was wanting to point out in the lives of His listeners and in our ears today?

I do not think this is the case. Jesus not only asked people to listen, but He called people to follow Him. This were His first words to the disciples, "Come and Follow me." The idea of a yoke is that it is something used by farmers to guide the animals of work. It also provided a way for the load from the work to be spread out on the shoulders and among other animals and not just a single being. We are called to be guided and directed by the Jesus not just given a freedom from the law.

This was the words in the preface of Bonhoffer's book. Where are you being directed by God today? What aspects of your life are you willing to give up for Christ to become central in your life? The yoke is light not because Jesus will demand great work out of us. It is light because it shares the load with others and we are equipped by Christ Himself to accomplish the life we are being directed towards. Are you willing to take up the Yoke of Christ?

Christian Coaching

2011-09-13T09:39:00.003-05:00

A few years ago I was introduced to a new way of working with people and groups, coaching. Now when I fist saw this idea, it was a little interesting. Coaching to me was always something done in sports. The only other time I had heard about coaching was a what I considered a "new age" concept of life coaching. When I saw life coaching for the first time on day time reality shows, it was not something I thought I would ever find myself considering. It looked like some over emotional process that would never be something "real" people would use. Was I ever wrong on many different levels.

The version that was sent to me now is a process of investing in people to help them see what God has in their life. It is not some new age process or some type of emotional crutch. It is a real process for real people. I found it to be something I could accomplish in my life to help other people find God's mission.

What I have discovered is that this work is a relationship built between two people where God is given the chance to move in the life of both and work in both people to help discover the calling on the person being coached life. What a mouth full. But this is what is called and what I see as Christ's way of working with people in His life.

I have taken a few courses and read some books about the practice of coaching people and have even practice in some of the classes. I was excipeted to help people and see how they began to be transformed in a better way to accomplish God's will. But, the greatest moment I have had in this new practice was with my son the other night. He was writing a letter to join the Junior Honor Society in Junior High. He had to discuss why he wanted to join. Now, I could have told him what to write. I could have went so far to tell him the words to write. But I didn't. I did ask him some questions and explore his reasons and why he could not write those down. It worked. I gave him the courage and strength to answer the question for himself. I hope he has the courage to do this in the future.

I have learned that this is a great practice even for parenting. I will use it even more in raising my son. Where is God challenging you? Where are you stuck in trying to get to where God is calling you?

Radical Discipleship

2010-10-06T09:30:00.003-05:00

I am reading another book. Big shock on that reality. I seem unable to really wrestle and finish one before another book takes its place. Oh well, the radical mind of one crazy pastor. This time I am reading a book by Allen and Debra Hirsch call Untamed: Reactiving a Missional Form of Dicipleship. I will admit that I did not chose the book by the cover this time. I chose it because of the author and previous experiences I have had with his writing and speaking. This book has asked me to re-examin some of my own notions of following Jesus. In the desire to follow Him more closely, I was asked ot re-read the gospels. Not just for information and knowledge, but for an encounter with the living Word of God, Jesus Christ. Allen and Debra call people to a life that is challenged by the radical person of Jesus Christ who lived a radical lifestyle of accepting and offering grace to people. But in His acceptance, He called them to a life not in sin, but to a new way of living. As we want to follow Christ, the authors want us to examine again the gospels.

So, I wanted to re-examine and grow a stronger relationship with Jesus and in turn with God. I started with the Gospel according to Luke. This gospel always has been the harder one for me. I like the works of Matthew (no bias on that one) and Mark. They seem much simpler. I like John because of the great stories and messages we hear from Jesus. Luke just seems to be harder to grasp. Jesus is tougher in this gospel. Maybe that is why I was drawn back to this account of Jesus. Yet I was struck from a great point in the first chapter. I was given to radically different approaches to God's call in our lives.

The first is Zechariah. He was a priest at the turn of the centuries and was the one appointed to serve in the Temple. While in the temple, he was greated by the Angel of the Lord (Gabriel as we learn very quickly). He is told by this messenger of God that Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth will soon have a child. Zecharia's response is smiler to what many older people with no children would be, how, why? All of these and more are the questions in his mind. Given this response, the angel declares that due to Zechariah's lack of faith, he will not be able to speak till the child is born.

The second response is from Mary. She is greeted by the same angel and is given an even stranger proposition. She will have a baby boy. She again asks how. But here question is a real question. She is young unwed. This was a desperate request of God on a person of her age. The answer was given that he child would be from God. Her response was acceptance and willingness.

These two response are very similar to people today. We either accept God's call and go or we start the list of questions and reasons why we cannot. I believe these two are to teach us something profound about the work of God. If we say no like Zechariah, we will be shut up. There will be no words or actions to come from our work. We will become like a silent stone. But if we accept and follow, the great Word of God will come forward. We will be like Mary and be able to exclaim our joy in what God is doing and about to accomplish. We will more importantly share the word of God, Jesus Christ, to the world. I think I would like to be like Mary right now and accept the desire of God. Who are you going to follow?

Survival Kit

2010-09-13T10:12:00.004-05:00

Last post was about my sermon for that coming Sunday. I am exceedingly grateful for all the comments I received for that week. There were some great ideas, most of which did get worked into the sermon one way or another. One idea that I am starting to flesh out for upcoming week is built around an idea from the last post.

One friend gave me a great sugestion for a sermon and I am working it into a whole series. Currently on the Discovery Channel (one of my favorite channels to watch) is a whole mess of survival shows. There are shows demonstrating how an individual can survive, a married couple, two friends, and how to learn from other cultures how to survive. In all these shows, the goal is entertainment and a little education. They want to show some techniques you can use to survive if you are lost in the wilderness. I find it a little more of an entertainment on most of the shows. But he little nuggets we can take away are helpful and may just save lives.

These shows do demonstrate on the basic level that people need certain knowledge and skills to survive. They also show that you need certian equipment no matter what the situation. Some of the skills they need to know are what types of wild vegetation is edible (not all is safe to eat). Also, there are basic skills need to secure a shelter to protect you from the rain and the sun. The equipment you carry can be just as important as anything else. These are demonstration in the shows and in many real life situations we see on the news.

All of this comes to where I would love to have you help and thoughts. What are some skills, knowledge and tools we as Christians need to have for a survival kit? It is fairly easy to look in the internet or a couple of good books to find what type of items one needs for a wilderness survival. But II will admit that it is not as easy for the Christian kit. Take some time, think about what is essential to the faith and would be need in any situation. You can also make some parallels between what is in your own emergency survival kit ans what it might be for a follower of Jesus. Feel free to be creative. I am looking forward to the conversation.

Lost and Found

2010-09-09T08:04:00.002-05:00

A few years ago I went to a conference and one of the break out groups was a discussion of sermon preparation. The presenter, who's name I cannot remember, told about the process she used and seemed to be very effect and profitable to her congregation. She told about how she had a small group who meet weekly to discuss the passage planed for that Sunday. In the course of discussion, she would work out some of the issues with the sermon and it became more of a community process than an individual. I have attempted at different times to incorporate this idea in different ways. I will admit I have not made the step to have the small group. I have tried to incorporate this idea into other areas of ministry and see if they could just mesh. They really did not work well.

I have some difficult passages in the near future that I have chosen and I would like to get some input from others as I get ready to preach these passages on Sunday. I realize that not everyone who comments on my thoughts and ideas here will be part of the Sunday worship service in the church I serve, but you are part of the community of faith that is the Church. So, please feel free to include yourself.

This Sunday (September 12, 2010) I am preaching on Luke 15:1-10. These are two passages that tell the Parables of the Lost sheep and Lost Coin. They are two beloved and seemingly quit simple parables from Jesus on the Kingdom of Heaven and the reaction to one lost person. Now, I know these are simple passages to understand. Jesus is telling us that God is going out looking for us and when the lost are found a big party is held in celebration of the found. But, I have a problem with the simple understanding.

Who is getting the glory for the finding? Who is the focus on the passage? This may sound like a strange question for a sermon focus. This the heart of my dilemma. I am reading a book titled Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream. The author, David Platt presents an argument that he Christian life taught and presented in most places of Christianity today (especially here in the United States) is one that has moved from the God centered to a self centered. In that move, we are open to more self promotion than God promotion, less dependence on God and more dependence on the self.

So, for me I am troubled by this passage. When I read the Parables of the lost coin and the lost sheep, I see a self centered story of us being found and a party for us. This is why I am attempting to open a discussion on these parables. I want to hear from people and their thoughts. I especially would love to how we could move these passages from a self centered reading to a God centered reading.

Next week I will post a little early. But to give anyone interested in getting a look ahead. I will be preaching on Luke 16:1-13. This passage is even harder to understand. I will want to have more comments on that passage. Thanks for all your help and prayers.

Demonstrating Jesus

2010-08-26T10:51:00.003-05:00

I hope you had a great summer season. It seems to have flown by, but then again most of the days seem to be moving faster than others. But, the air is finally starting to cool and the fall season is soon upon us. With the coming of fall is the kick off to many of the activities and programs that took a break over the summer. The plans for some of our programs are listed later in the newsletter. Take time to see what we are offering and come and join in where you see called. I also think this is a great time of year to get a restart on other areas of our church life.

During the summer we tend to take off. We have vacations and family to visit and the time gets eaten up by some many great summer activates. There are occasion in all the fun to practice our faith, but many times they are individual or sporadic moments. There is no real cohesion to practicing the faith. I ask you, what are some ways we can put the gospel into action in our lives to have an impact on the people of Carthage? We speak about wanting to have new members and people become part of the church, but what are we willing to do to allow people into our fellowship and introduce them to Jesus?

I realize for many this will seem like a strange question. There was a time in the history of America that we did not need to worry about such questions. There was nothing to draw you away from church activates and it was just expected that people went to church. Unfortunately, this is not the case in today’s society. There are many activates and programs to pull people in many different directions on Sundays and everyday of the week.

Besides the activities that pull people away, questions in many people’s minds have risen as to the relevance of church itself. They believe that one can do just as well in the Christian life not attending a church at all. Now, it is true you can pray and read the Bible very well on your own. The part that is missing is the fellowship and joint learning. Throughout the New Testament, Jesus is alone on a few occasions. The majority of the time He is with the community. If being together with people was important for Jesus, who are we to contradict this idea. It is good for people to be together in Christian worship. I even doubt the ability of the individual to have true worship without the community.

The questions facing the church go beyond the desire for fellowship and worship. Many even question the validity of the faith. Many people wonder if all religions point to the same god and they are all different ways to the same result. They also doubt the existence of Jesus. We are challenged to demonstrate the love of Christ in real ways to the people. How else will they come to find Jesus if we are unwilling to show them? SO, we remain at the same question, “How are we going to allow people into our fellowship and introduce them to Jesus?” It is truly a question the implications on the Kingdom of God. I hope you will join me in prayer for direction and answers. This will have implications on a cosmic scale.

The Image of God

2010-06-01T10:08:00.004-05:00

Today marks the start of a new month and new challenge I put forward to the members of the congregation and to myself. Awhile ago our church participated in a planned reading of the Bible in 90 days. Yes you read that correctly. We read the entire Bible in 3 months. During the first experiment, I learned a great deal of planning a very intense reading schedule. I also learned a lot from the Bible reading it from "cover to cover." During the first challenge, we meet weekly to review our readings and encourage ourselves for the week ahead. This time I took some of the lessons and revamp the readings a little. For one, the Sunday will be a Sabbath rest on reading the Bible (or you can use it as a time to catch up). Also, we will not be meeting weekly during the summer to review and prepare for the readings. Lastly, it may be a little longer than 90 days. WE start on June First and go through the last day of August.

Today being the first of June is the start of the great challenge again. I already finished today's reading (Yes I did read it). Today was Genesis 1-16. This section has the whole of creation, all of the early works of God with the people, the flood and the tower of Babel. It also contains the start of the Jewish history with Abraham and Sarah (known by their given names Abram and Sarai). IT was in this section that Sarai is passed off as Abram's sister in Egypt, Lot separates and is saved by Abram and Hagar is given to Abram to bear a son. Full of great stories and moments in the story of the Bible. Yet, what catches my attention today is nothing to do with these fantastic stories of faith and working to follow God's desire. Rather, I am caught and focused on the creation account.

During the creation, God speaks that He will make people, humans, in OUR image (Gen. 1:26). I must admit that when I was younger, this passage was not a central part of the teaching. I remember that we, male and female, are made in the image of God, His image (Gen. 1:27). What are we, I, to make of this strange configuration of pronouns and wording. Who is GOd speaking with in the passage that we are told, "we shall make in our"? I am perplexed a little in the passage, yet, a little comforted.

As I wrote about yesterday, Sunday was the reminder in the church calendar of Trinity Sunday. A special day we set aside to remind and celebrate that God has been and is presented as three persons and we participate in all three. This is what I believe to be a foundation of where we see the Trinity presented in the earliest parts of the Bible. God puts little points through out the books to help us see the truth.

This passage points to something greater in the reality of coming to know God. People are formed in the image of God, male and female, they are formed. The way to coming to know God better is not some self introspection. We need a community of men and women to help us discover fully God. We need a fellowship. This is clear when we see that the image of God we poses is only partial and needs the fullness that comes from all.

The challenge is for us to allow ourselves seen as just a part of the whole and not the whole in ourselves. We need each other, espically if we wish to follow the demands of Christ.
Hebrew; Syriac all the wild animals

Truth

2010-05-31T10:26:00.004-05:00

“I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you.
(John 16:12-15, NIV, Bible.Logos.com)

The week prior to Trinity Sunday was one full of unique moments of God's grace and presence as I prepared for the Sunday worship service and the sermon I needed to deliver. I was lead a month ago to deliver a sermon on the passage at the top of the page, John 16:12-15. The passage discusses how the disciples are not ready as of yet to hear everything Jesus has to teach them. Part of hte reason (I believe) is because of what is about to happen to the followers of Jesus with the crucifixion and the doubt of who Jesus really is. Jesus proclaims a Spirit of truth to be given as a teacher to the followers. The remarkable part of the past week is the conversations and moments of focus on truth I had this past week.

The first experience of truth was a book I read (amazingly quickly) on the discipleship of men in the church. I read The Map: The Way of All Great Men.The author, David Murrow, presents a journey of men that is three fold. This journey resembles the life of Christ and comes from the Gospel According to Matthew. The journeys revolve around men traveling in a direction surrender to God's desire and willingness to follow His will. The second journey is one of strength. This is where my other conversations came into a focus.

The second encounter was with leaders from another church who I was meeting to work on projects of the regional body of my denomination. Over lunch we discussed many of the issues facing our denomination and the churches' we work with. As we discussed, I was asked how we can keep and get people into the church again. The other leaders were able to spend time in churches not of our denomination on a regular bases and look at what they are doing to teach and reach people for the Kingdom of God. I stated that we leaders (lay and ordained) need to make a solid deceleration in what we believe. We need to state that the Bible is God's instruction and we need to live according to those standards. Many of the churches and religious groups who are growing and receiving new followers are those who are putting a consistent message of beliefs and expectations of the followers. Jesus demanded the same from His followers. They were expected to learn and live the life He called them to accomplish. The demand was so great that many people did not come and follow because of that demand.

I was challenged even further on this point in respects to putting forward too strict a lifestyle. I followed that with the fact that we must teach God's grace. We cannot live this life demand of us on our own. If we could, there would be no reason for God to send His Son. We need the grace and the Spirit that is sent. I believe we must teach the truth of what Christ has accomplished and is accomplishing in the lives of His followers. We also must teach that Christ came to offer grace to live the life that He called to live.

In my sermon, I challenged all the listeners, myself included, that we must teach the truth that the Spirit is teaching us. We also must teach the grace that Christ has bought us. I also challenged the young people to hold our feet to the fire that we teach these great truths to them. We cannot fail. Their future and our demands on our willingness to answer the call of Christ. I hope that I cannot answer the call and stand firm on Christ's truth.

Evil into Good

2010-04-28T09:09:00.002-05:00

I just realized last night (April 26) that I had not posted anything for months on this blog. Now this is now way a sign that I have not had anything to say. I have had many things to say and even made many statements. Most were in the form of Sunday sermons (maybe I can find a way to get them posted someday). This realization came as I was attempting to go to sleep. I started thinking about some ideas to keep me connected to the blogging and my summer activities. Two things came to mind, both involve a software program I have used for years, but just recently upgraded to the newest version.

I purchased the Logos Bible Software about seven years ago. I have found it to be an invaluable resource in preparing sermons and Bible Study. There are a multitude of editions from the basic novice to the expert scholar. I would recommend this software to anyone looking to purchase a Bible Study program. More information is available at logos.com. I mention this software because it is the source of what I hope (pray to keep) as the source of the content of the blog. It comes from one tool in particular, the Bible reading plan.

Two years ago, I planned a Bible study using the Bible Reading plan to read the entire Bible in 90 days. I invited as many people from the church to join me. We meet on Tuesdays over lunch to encourage everyone, look at what we read and what we were to read the next week. I recieved some feedback on the plan and now, I think I might just make the 90 plan come again. This summer I plan on putting together a reading list to read the entire Bible in June, July and August. Sermons on Sunday will be chosen from the readings of the coming week. So, I will be forced to preach on texts that will challenge myself and the congregation. I hope folks from the congregation will join along. But that is not the topic of the day.

I am currently reading the Bible using the whole Bible in a year plan from the Logos Software. I just started this plan and today I finished Genesis. The end of Genesis focuses on the death of Jacob and Joseph, Jacob's son. The chapters speak of reconciliation between the family and the struggle and worries of Joseph's brothers. The theme that caught my eye was the quote, " 19 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. 21 So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them" (Genesis 50:19-21, New International Version)

Many are the times we make plans. Sometimes this plans are for the benefit of others. Some of the plans are for the destruction of others. What this passage reminds me is that our plans are not the end all. Joseph's brothers were selfish and jealous of there brother. He had dreams that portrayed all his older brothers and parents bowing before him. Joseph was also the favorite son of Jacob. This made the other 10 brothers very upset (this is an understatement). They wanted to kill him, but ratehr they sold him into slavery to make money for themselves. Then, they lied to their father about the reality of Joseph's life. All of these acts were made in selfish jealous rage.

All these plans were made by people. They were the desire of humans. Yet, God used these selfish acts to bring about good. For as the story goes forward, Joseph is put through the tests in Egypt. Eventually he finds favor in Egypt and becomes the head honcho. In this time, Joseph learn that a famine will be coming and he prepares all of Egypt for the famine. It is through this preparation, all of the people of the starting nation of Israel are saved. Joseph's position allows him to bring his family to Egypt and save them. What was planned as evil becomes good in the Eyes of God.

This is an excellent reminder that God can work through any situation. It does not matter what we think we have done. The reality is that God can accomplish anything through the mess. No matter what you think you have done wrong, I know that God can turn it to something magnificat. It just takes us to look for the great things He is doing.

Prophet Jesus

2009-10-14T13:39:00.005-05:00

I am reading a book by Jared Wilson that the title alone drew me in, Your Jesus is Too Safe. If that title does not draw your attention, I do not think many titles will. I have not read very far into the book till I am realizing that it is touching very personal issues in my beliefs and life. So, I thought I might just see how others react to Mr. Wilson's comments and thoughts.

The premises of the book is that Western Culture in general, the church included, has watered down the person of Jesus to such a point that He is no longer resembles the person of the Bible. Jared works his way through a number of topics looking at the biblical Jesus' life to present who He really is and was.

The first chapter focuses on Jesus being a prophet. Jared looks at the different aspects of what an Old Testament prophet accomplished in his ministry and if those were accomplished and how they were accomplished in Jesus' ministry. Where I was struck was when Jared pointed out Jesus' constant refrain picked up from John the Baptist. "Repent for the Kingdom of God (Heaven) is at hand." This made me think about my life and the lives of those around me.

I started asking myself if I was living as one who had repented. Repentance is not just the act of saying I am sorry for what I have done in the past. It means turning ones self in a different direction. Not just our thoughts. We have to turn our whole person, body mind and soul to God. This is what Jared pointed out and convicted me. Have I turned my life around completely?

I am asking my self what would be different in my life if I were repentant with my whole person? How would I act different? How would I respond different?

Some people reading this (if anyone does) might be thinking about the reality that I am a pastor. Well, I am one and let me be the first to tell you that pastors are not perfect. Matter of fact, we have as many if not more flaws as everyone else. Many times the position we are in causes us to have more flaws. So, I confess that I am not fully repented. Not all parts of my life have been turned towards God. Help me Lord to live in repentance and be fully turned towards You.

Looking Forward

2009-09-22T08:42:00.003-05:00

I have not posted anything in a few weeks. I do not want to just rehash current posts of visit current events. There is enough political commentators and others discussing the ills of the world. Part of the commentators are working on all the past mistakes making the current crises all the greater. If I am going to look at current problems, we do not need to look to the past to find the reason for the problem. I do not see any reason why we need to look in the past. We only need to see the truth of Jesus' amazing truth.

Jesus had the great opportunity to claim past sins and wrongs is the cause of our current condition. In the Gospel according to John, Jesus is asked by the disciples about the condition of a man who was blind from birth (John 9:1-2). Now we and the disciples expect a long discourse on how many people and how God punishes onto the next generation for the sins of one person. We are taught this in the Old Testament when the people of Israel are entering the Promised Land and the commandments. Yet, Jesus does not responded this way.

Jesus focuses on the now, the present. He pronounces that this man is blind that the "work of God might be demonstrated in his life." (John 9:3). Most people (my self included) have been hung up on this line. We do not understand how a God and just God could allow a person to be blind and live the majority of his life in that condition to "show the work of God." Is there not any other way to show God's work?

I was just thinking about this in the current economic crises and in some personal frustrations. I came to see that it is not about what we have done in the past. It is all about the present. Right now Jesus was in front of the blind man. At that moment, Jesus healed the man and he was able to see clearly. Jesus was not worried about how the man became blind. He was just worried that the man was blind.

The same is for us today. Jesus does not care how we came to the situation we are in right now. It might have been reckless spending. It might of been some bad choices with relationships in the past. It might just be the sin of the past haunting the present. Jesus is here now to heal and restore. Jesus is worried about now and the future.

I am no longer looking backwards. I am only looking forward.

Thoughts on Current Events

2009-07-08T09:55:00.003-05:00

Now I will admit that I do not comment on current events life politics, society and pop culture in public arenas often. I will discuss politics and pop culture with members of the church or friends. Yet, I think this is a time in the culture where more people speaking out against current situations may just bring light to a real problem. I believe the problem became relevant in recent days.

For the past week, the media has had a all on blitz to mourn the death of Micheal Jackson. My condolence is extended to the family and friends of Micheal as they attempt to figure out brought the end of his life. What I cannot understand is the media and the people's fascination with him. There have been interview after interview. Networks took entire programing time to show the memorial service. People flew from far reaching places just to be in Los Angels for the service. The came without regard to expense of debit accumulated. Yet in this fire storm of activity, real stories of problems and heroes have went unreported or under reported.

The President meet with leaders from Russia this past week. This would typically hold center stage on national television news reports. But not this week. The G-8 summit is opening in Italy. This was a side report on national news. These are important issues that will greatly affect the people of the United States and the world. What we we worried about most? The death of pop idol.

I feel like we have lost track of what is important in life. People are losing jobs, communities are not able to provide basic services and there does not seem to be a change in the near future. Yet, we are spending precious resources on police protection for memorials and worried about what brought about the death of a singer. Many more people have died this past week. People who have served and loved others as much if not more than reported about Micheal Jackson. Yet, there names will never be on national t.v. they will never have a police escort to the funeral. They have slipped away only to leave there mark in a much different way. They will have touched the lives of people who will carry on that same love and attention they gave.

Please, if you are reading this, take a moment and remember someone who will not be in the media's eye. Remember what they taught you and just how you can pass that on to someone else. Also, remember that it is not how we leave this earth that is most important, neither is what possessions or monuments we leave. The most important legacy we can leave is the care and compassion of others. Then we will really leave a mark on the world bigger than any celebrity.

I am Board

2009-05-19T15:02:00.006-05:00

Last Sunday I had what I assume most parents in the face on a regular bases. My son was convinced he did not have to attend church. He worked on me Saturday by convincing me that he should stay the night at a friends house. I of course did not let him. He then worked me over Sunday morning. Now the only way he accomplished Sunday was that Tonya worked the night before and was in no condition to attend church. She need some (a lot) of sleep. So, he thought since mom was able to miss church, he could.

As you might have guessed by now, my son did not win the battle. He reluctantly went to church. When I pressed him for why he did not want to go, he explained it was boring. I must admit that his belief church is boring stuck with me. I am not sure if he was just being a obstinate or was telling the truth, he is getting into the tween years. But I must admit that I have had it stuck in my head. What if he finds church boring? Does he think being a Christian is boring? Am I boring as a preacher (sure to get some comments)?

I think I am pondering this question from the perspective of others. From the other children and youth in the congregation and the world. I worship and attending church boring to them? Is being a Christian boring in their lives? What about the adults? Do they consider this weekly process of attending church a "requirement" to be meet and just attend to guarantee their future? This all comes to mind as the church closes in on Pentecost Sunday.

At the first Pentecost, it was not boring for any one. The spectators caught an eye full and the followers of Jesus were literal and figuratively on fire for Christ. What has happened to the passion we see in the early church? There was a Passion to tell everyone about Jesus. There was fear just in meeting to praise His name. Where is the excitement of the encounter with the living God. This might just be the issue. Are the people coming to have an encounter or a show? This might be why people are boarded. Would love to hear some comments.

Maundy Thursday

2009-04-09T09:51:00.001-05:00

I first should apologize to any and all who were hoping I could keep my Lenten devotion of writing a note on James through the weeks. I now realize why we call them disciplines and not things we need to accomplish. So, I ask forgiveness to God and to you. Yet, I was thinking today on this "Holy Thursday" about the significance of the day and the meaning of it.

Part of my thoughts come from a question raised by a Bible Study group last week about what does Maundy Thursday mean. I, in my pride, declared that "Maundy" means "holy". Well, one student had a relative who was also a minster. The other minster said, "it literally means 'washing feet.'" Needless to say, this caused my competitive nature to shift into gear. I went to my study and found my copy of The New Handbook of the Christian Year. Well in the glossary of liturgical terms, it listed Maundy Thursday "an English corruption of the theme of the Gospel reading traditional to the day (John 13:34) in which Jesus gives the new commandment (Latin, mandatuim novum).” I apologized to the study for my ignorance.

I have pondered this day for the past few and realized that in many years I have looked forward to this evening worship over some of the other special parts of the Passion weekend. I have asked myself why this evening service and why this day would have a special place in my spiritual life. I think I have come to understand that tonight's celebration as what gives me the meaning for Sunday.

There are many people who will come on Sunday because they have some deep obligation to be in church on Easter Sunday. I have lost that need. Since I am in church every Sunday, I do not have extra need for Easter Sunday. I am happy for what the day represents. I believe Maundy Thursday is what gives meaning to the Sunday celebration.

At the Maundy Thursday service, I get a moment to remember those last moments Jesus spent with His disciples. I get to remember the meal He shared with them. I also get to recall all the actions that lead to His crucifixion on Good Friday. So, for me, Maundy Thursday has become my high point of the Passion weekend. I just hope I can recall enough to keep myself in Christ’s hands through the rest of the year.

Faith, Works and Charity

2009-03-11T11:52:00.002-05:00

Third Wednesday of Lent
March 11, 2009
Today’s Reading: James 2: 14-17

14 What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? 15 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. [1]

When I think of the great passages and most quoted sections of the Bible, this passage comes to mind. I could not relate the number of times I have read sermons and teaching on this little piece of the Bible. And yet I am still trying to find what it is that God wants to teach through this passage.

I fully agree with James, we must as followers of Jesus Christ make a display of what we believe. The old adage, “a picture is worth a thousand words” has a great deal of meaning. For I have (hopefully) preached some great sermons on what it is that Jesus has done for us in a spiritual and relational way with God. I have studied many books that explore the depths of God’s grace through Jesus. As a matter of fact, my entire life is now based on the great teaching that Jesus came to save us from sin. I have taught this in my ministry. But in all my words, the best ways I have taught this to others is in the way I act.

In this great agreement, I struggle with the example James uses to teach us this need to act out our faith. He tells of how people react when presented with no coat or food. We are expected to give and not just turn our back with a simple statement, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed” does little to help the person immediately. But what about the long term issue. How will the person stay warm and eat tomorrow or the next day. What about sustainability of the person.

In a recent edition of World Magazine, they looked at Wealth and Poverty in America’s Cities.[2] The cover story article focused on learning from the past. Mark Olasky pointed to many old societies in large cities that were Christian based and how they provided to the people of need. Olasky also pointed to sermons preached in 1835 that it was disgraceful to give when someone is able to work.[3] What does this mean in our current economic climate? There are many who can work but there are no jobs. There are many who have been in the entitlement system for so long they have not skills to work. How can we as followers of Jesus Christ follow the command to give where there is need but yet encourage the person to prepare for substantial service and work to make a living? I believe this is the major question for today. This is where our faith and understanding meets reality. My only hope can be that God will lead us in what is best for His people and His creation.

Tomorrow’s Reading James 2:18-21

[1] The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984, S. Jas 2:14-17
[2] Olasky, Marvin, “Giving that Worked.” World Magazine, March 14, 2009. pages 40-46
[3] Olasky, 42

Freedom

2009-03-10T09:31:00.000-05:00

Second Tuesday of Lent
March 10, 2009
Today’s Reading: James 2:6-9

10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. 11 For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,”b also said, “Do not murder.”c If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.
12 Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment! [1]

James is a hard person to pin down. Many times as I read from his letter I hear echoes of a strong Jewish teaching that encourages people to look at life from what they are to do and not do. Other times he looks like Paul who teaches freedom from the law of the Old Testament. Today’s reading is just one of those days. I am not quite sure what line James is coming from, but given the previous section of loving ones neighbor, this is a great reminder.

James tells us that if we break but one of the laws, we are a lawbreaker. This is true for those following the rules and laws of the Old Testament. One law broken means you were “unclean” or not acceptable in worship. So, James is speaking the truth. Murder and adultery were on the same level and were just and problematic. Today this is a little different. Murder is a crime in society and adultery is a crime in a relationship, but this is a discussion for another time.

The reality of James argument is that we should live not as the condemned but as the ones who are freed. Through Christ, we have a new life and are forgiven. We must live a live that shows the freedom we have through the law that was given. We must show mercy to others. Because we will be judged by the standard we judge.
I do believe there is a problem in this teaching that we get caught in when we are teaching others about Jesus. The problem is that we think that telling someone what they are doing wrong is judging. I believe judging is when we determine what is to happen to that person because of what they have done. Correcting is not judgment. This is the situation I believe the church is caught in today. We are overly worried about judging than correcting. If we are unwilling to correct, there is no reason to have sermons, Bible Studies, fellowships and the like. I hope others will correct me when I stay from God’s word that I may be shown mercy.

Tomorrow's Reading: James 2:14-17

b Exodus 20:14; Deut. 5:18
c Exodus 20:13; Deut. 5:17
[1] The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984, S. Jas 2:10-13

Piercing Words

2009-03-05T18:46:00.001-06:00

Second Thursday of Lent
Today’s Reading: James 1:25-2:1

25 But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.
26 If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. 27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

21My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism. [1]

The old adage used by many young people of “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me” was given so that when the inevitable name calling of childhood starts they would be prepared. Children are taught to believe that the words used against them are of no consequent. We lead young people to build a self esteem that will build them up to be ready above and beyond what they will need. Over all we teach them there are no harms in our words.

As we grow older, we learn that words do have more power than taught as children. We learn words cut into our mind and being much deeper than any knife. So, the truth we learn is that words do hurt. As a child, I realize that I was lied to about the sticks and stones idea. Words hurt very deeply.

The greatest problem with words is we must lead by example. James is teaching us that we must first take on the strongest muscle in our system. This muscle is our tongue or the instrument of our words. The problem is that we cannot control this powerful muscle. It is through Christ that we can tame the words we use. The way we gain control is through the study of scripture and gaining a stronger relationship with God.

Tomorrow’s Reading: James 2:2-5

[1] The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984, S. Jas 1:24-2:1

Remembering By Doing

2009-03-05T10:11:00.002-06:00

Second Wednesday of Lent
Today’s Reading: James 1:21-24

21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.[1]

I was taught in elementary school that the best way to memorize something was to use all of sense. The more of our five senses we employed the better our chance of memorizing items. I was also told that we needed things broken into smaller chunks. If we can group items together (especially numbers) they are easier to memorize. I have found this to be very helpful in my life as I have tried to memorize different items. I have also found that the more time I spend studying something the better off I am at memorizing that item. At least that is the only way I could memorize my Jr.-Sr. High schedules.

I believe this is what is at the heart of James discourse on doing the word and listening to the word. Many people in the world and in Christianity have heard some great sermons. Just as many people have read the Bible from cover to cover numerous times. They can even recite from memory entire sections of the Bible. Yet, nothing seems to have changed in their attitude and daily life. They continue to live the exact same way. They are grumpy, frustrated, depressed and feel like they are missing something. James knows that we can hear all the great messages from preachers and the Bible, but without action, they are just words.

So if we want to really make Christ a part of our life, we have to take the words we have heard about Him and the message He has brought in His scripture and start doing what we are told to do. Afterwards, we will be able to learn scripture and His will much easier. We will be employing more senses in our lives. We will see a change occur and others will see it also. We will become a living testament to the life of Christ, a living Bible for people who have never heard the message of Christ. Let us not just be hears of the word of God, but also doers.

Tomorrow’s Reading: James 1:25-2:1

[1] The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984, S. Jas 1:21-24

Cool Games

2009-03-04T10:24:00.004-06:00

As a few of you know and probably realizes by now, I am a solo pastor at a Presbyterian Church. For those who attend larger churches with many staff members, this means that I get to do pretty much everything. Yes, I do have a terrific church secretary and some great people who volunteers from the church. But, on the day to day programs and activities, it's all me. There are times that this is great.

I have been leading an after school program for our elementary age kids on days they are dismissed early (1pm in our part of the world). We get to spend time together learning, playing, eating and doing all sorts of crazy stuff. I am writing this post to let everyone know about some cool stuff I just found for elementary age and older.

Last month I purchased a computer game called Dance Praise. It is very similar to dance style games for other game systems. The biggest difference is that it works on a PC or Mac and uses Christian music. The kids love the dance game and they are learning songs that will grow their relationship with Christ. Hos cool is can that be.

Well in the package was advertisement for another game comparable to Guitar Hero. Again, same principle as Dance Praise. You use a PC or Mac and play just like the other game. You play along with your favorite Christian music and hit cords. I just got the game yesterday and set it up on my laptop. It is way fun. So, if you have not intention of buying a game system anytime soon and want to play some fun cool games, check our Digital Praise's website for their games. The kids have not tried the Guitar Praise yet, they will get their chance today. But I love the game.

Slowing Down

2009-03-03T10:28:00.002-06:00

First Tuesday of Lent
March 3, 2009
Today’s Reading: James 1:17-20

17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

19 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. [1]

After James great discussion on temptation and that those temptations do not come from God, he decides to tell us what does come from God. All good and perfect gifts come from God. This is what God gives people. James is echoing back opt Genesis and the opening chapter where everything is declared good by God. James reminds his readers that it is God ho created the universe and God who put the plants, fruits, trees, ground and water in place. So, temptation, which is not good, cannot come from God. There is a reason James reminds us of where all these good and perfect gifts come from.

The gift to believers is that through the gospel (Good News) of Jesus Christ we are first fruit. A new creation of the new heaven and new earth proclaimed through the gospels and Revelation. We are the product of the new covenant with God. This is the greatest gift and the source of our greatest hope. It is from this source of perfect gifts and first fruit that we need no must live a life different from the world around us. For there is something that God desires from us are not desired by the world.

God wants us to slow down and take a simpler life. This is the product of being His first fruit. This is the life that brings a demonstration of what it means to be a follower of Jesus. In this new life, people are called to show the world that it is better to be open and receptive to God’s will be slowing down. We listen first than speak. We understand a situation before becoming angry. If we were to live according to these two simple principles, slow to speak and slow to anger, would the world not be a much different place? Would not our relationships with others be much different? So, take some time today and listen to people and to God. Seek God’s desire in all situations before acting out. I believe with James that this life lived out of the first fruit of the new covenant will expand our life and the work of Christ in the world.

Tomorrow’s Reading James 1:21-24

[1] The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984, S. Jas 1:17-20

Temptation

2009-03-02T11:35:00.001-06:00

First Friday of Lent
March 2, 2009

Today’s Reading: James 1:13-16

Many people will always say when they do something they are not to do, “The devil made me do it.” WE will allow this type of thinking because it seems better than the idea of saying that God tempted me. In the time of James, the thoughts must have been a little different. James is telling the people of his time that God does not tempt people. I have not heard many people today who would say that God is tempting them. They might say (and I have heard many people say this) that God is testing me. This is a real interpretation. When we read the opening of Job, it would seem to point to God allowing Satan to test Job’s faith. Now, I do not want this post to become a discussion of Job.

Yes, this section does raise the issue of evil and its place at the very least in our personal lives. James answer to evil is that it comes from the fall. When we humans decided that God’s direction and living in His presence was not what we wanted, we opened the gates to be pulled in the wrong direction. It is the fall of people that has brought about much of the suffering. People have chosen paths that do not bring the best for all involved, especially we.

James’ desire is not to cast off our responsibility. Instead, we must own up to our own mistakes. We must admit when we have failed and when we have fallen short. The sooner we are ready to take responsibility for our actions and see that God must be in control, the sooner of relationship with God will strengthen.

Tomorrow’s Reading: James 1:17-20

Perseverance to Eternal Life

2009-02-27T18:59:00.001-06:00

First Friday of Lent
James 1:9-12

After reading this section of James, I see that there is a great sense of dislike for the wealthy streaming from James. I gather Jesus had a similar feeling towards the rich. James declares the rich will wither like a flower in the great heat. These words echo the words of Jesus teaching of the humble and the proud in the temple. This is the parable in Luke 18:9-14.

Jesus tells of a Pharisee who comes to pray in the temple and a tax collector. The Pharisee is proud of his position in life, but the tax collector comes very humbly into the presence of God. Jesus applauds the attitude of the tax collector and proclaims that he will be exulted in God’s presence. This is the same words that James gives to the readers.

In this section, James returns to the first words of the letter, perseverance. We are told in verses 1-4, our perseverance brings perfection. Now perseverance will also bring about the crown of life. Again we are left with the remaining factor of eternal life, love of God.

This first short week of lent is brought us to the reason for the resurrection. Without the death and resurrection of Christ there is no eternal life for us. Even though James is not explicit we know that it is through Christ we have eternal. James reminds us of this early in our season of preparation.

Monday’s reading James 1:13-16

Lacking in Wisdom

2009-02-26T13:19:00.002-06:00

First Thursday of Lent
Today's Reading: James 1:5-8

When I heard James decree for those lacking to ask and be ready to receive it, the first thought that came to my mind is the current financial crises our country faces. The banks, insurance and automakers have asked the federal government for money to save their companies and expected the government to just hand over the money. Maybe we do not give society enough credit when comes to reading the Bible. The CEO’s of all these companies might just have read James and followed his instructions. They went with assurance to congress for money. Yet, this is not what James was speaking about. He was not looking at money but wisdom. He was not telling people to go to a human institution for the handout. He told the readers to go to God.

James is telling us to seek within ourselves for the amount of wisdom we have. After we seek, if we find a lack of wisdom, we are then to ask God who will give us wisdom. I am struck by two thoughts in this passage. The first is who would not find themselves lacking in wisdom. I cannot think of a time in my life when I knew exactly what should be done in a given situation. So, my expectation is that most people would find themselves lacking in wisdom. I know that there is a difference between wisdom and knowledge. I am working from a perspective that having wisdom does not mean we know more, we understand better. The better we understand situations, the better we can know what to do.

The second part of this passage that struck me is the way we are to ask. James is following in a long tradition of how we should approach God with our needs. We are expected to come with a humble confidence before God. The request for wisdom is not a “I hope I get it” attitude. We are to come boldly knowing that God will give it to us. But why would God want to give us wisdom? Why should He?

I believe part of the willingness to give wisdom comes from James first teaching in verses 1-4. God wants us to gain strength in Him and not our self. The more we learn to rely on Him, the stronger we become. So, when we see our lack of wisdom and look to God for greater wisdom, we are in sense growing closer to Him and relying more on God. In the end, we make a step closer in our relationship with Jesus.

Tommorow’s reading: James 1:9-12

Ash Wednesday

2009-02-25T09:49:00.004-06:00

I hope I can keep the challenge laid before me and get a note on the blog each day and maybe even have couple people give there insight. Today's reading for the Lenten journey is James 1:1-4. I know any time I open an international discussion on a particular book or section of the Bible, there is the possibility of people arguing with the historical details. There are questions about who is James, who are the twelve tribes, when was it written, and many important historical settings. I am going to stick with the traditional beliefs on the letter. The author is James the son of Mary and Joseph making him a brother of Jesus. He is writing to the scattered people of Israel who have come to accept Jesus as the promised Messiah. the date of the letter and most of the New Testament writings is always inaccurate. I will leave the time frame to after Jesus' Resurrection and before the end of the first century.

This book of the Bible holds the tradition of looking like a letter of the New Testament time period where the author is introduced and then the recipient is named. There are books of the New Testament that do not carry this format and some commentators believe these are speeches or sermons delivered to the communities of the ancient Roman Empire.

Now, there are many more historical facts all of my biblical studies professors and teachers would love for me to explore in a "proper" examination of the text. Needles to say, I am not making a "proper" or formal examination. This is part of a spiritual exercise to study what it is God is speaking got us through the pages of His word during Lent 2009.

I am caught off guard by the idea of counting joy when we face trials and persecution. Last time I checked which was probably a few minutes ago, trials and persecution is not pleasant. When we are put on trial we do not find this great. Yet, James is encouraging us to consider it joy. This is definitely counter cultural.

In the world today we are to look for the easiest and best way to to be in pain. If we physically hurt, take a pill. We take pills for mental pain. We are told to look for the get rich quick scheme to ease our trails in finance. We are not to be in pain but seek ways to stay out of pain. This is not what the call of Christ is all about.

Jesus calls His followers to live a life based on towards Him for our needs and everything. This is why James is encouraging to consider it joy when we face trials. When we face a trial with pure joy, we are facing it with Jesus as our source of comfort and strength. This builds our faith which grows us into a closer relationship with Him.

The joy James is describing cannot come from a pill or a bottle. It can only come from Jesus.

Tomorrow’s reading is James 1:5-8.

Ash Wednesday Eve

2009-02-24T17:04:00.006-06:00

So, it is "Fat Tuesday" or "Shrove Tuesday" for the German folks. I am already hoping to get a few fastnachts real soon. They will be homemade, which is always the best. For those of you who do not know what a fastnachts is, they are a type of doughnut. Other parts of the country are celebrating Madi Gras. This is the day before the start of Lent. Lent is the time in the church year where Christians prepare for the celebration and remembrance of Jesus' Resurrection. For those wise and well versed in the church celebrations, they will remind me and tell me that every Sunday is a celebration of Christ's Resurrection. So, why is the season of Lent so important and Resurrection Sunday all that special? It is the day set aside by the church to give special attention to Jesus' resurrection. I have always looked forward to Resurrection Sunday (Easter), but the season of Lent has been a little misnomer for me. I have always heard about giving something up for this season. But I never really understood all about the season. With this idea of a giving up, I learned awhile ago about the idea of not really giving up something, but taking up a practice during Lent. I have pushed the idea of taking up (you can think of it as giving up time) a spiritual practice or modifying something you are doing to grow closer to God. I again am suggesting this to people in the congregation and for those who read my little blog. This year I am suggesting a careful reading of the letter of James. I will make the commitment to enter an entry everyday on a daily reading from James. Saturday and Sunday have no readings for you to catch up and for other time of focusing on God. The reading schedule starts on Ash Wednesday (tomorrow) and will go through till the Friday prior ot Palm Sunday. I will take parts of the letter for my preaching on Sundays. I always encourage people to make comments on my sermons (yes criticism is always appreciated). I encourage folks to make comments on my writings here on the blog. If you are in Carthage, MO, join us on Sundays in March to see what I have to say on the different parts of the letter.
Bible Reading Plan
Bible Reading Plan
James 1:1 - James 5:20

Date
Passage
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
James 1:1-4
Thursday, February 26, 2009
James 1:5-8
Friday, February 27, 2009
James 1:9-12
Monday, March 2, 2009
James 1:13-16
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
James 1:17-20
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
James 1:21-24
Thursday, March 5, 2009
James 1:25-2:1
Friday, March 6, 2009
James 2:2-5
Monday, March 9, 2009
James 2:6-9
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
James 2:10-13
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
James 2:14-17
Thursday, March 12, 2009
James 2:18-21
Friday, March 13, 2009
James 2:22-25
Monday, March 16, 2009
James 2:26-3:3
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
James 3:4-7
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
James 3:8-11
Thursday, March 19, 2009
James 3:12-15
Friday, March 20, 2009
James 3:16-4:1
Monday, March 23, 2009
James 4:2-5
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
James 4:6-9
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
James 4:10-13
Thursday, March 26, 2009
James 4:14-16
Friday, March 27, 2009
James 4:17-5:3
Monday, March 30, 2009
James 5:4-6
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
James 5:7-10
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
James 5:11-13
Thursday, April 2, 2009
James 5:14-17
Friday, April 3, 2009
James 5:18-20

Happy New Year

2009-01-07T09:20:00.004-06:00

I know I am just a few days late to write a Happy New Year's entry, but the first few days of this new year proved just as crazy as the last month or two of last year. I guess things really do not change with the change of thecalender. So, I am going to take a few moments now and jot some thoughts about New Years and all that fun jazz.

Now, I am not someone who has been real big on making resolutions. I would attribute most of this to the fact that I am disorganized and forgetful. I usually forget what I decided to be my resolution after a few days. Yes, I have tried to write them down. This is where the disorganized reality comes into play. I lose the list as soon as I forget the resolutions. So, I have just given up on the whole idea. This makes life much easier, but nothing in my life gets changed (on the large scale at least).

This year is a little different. I have decided to make a challenge to my whole church and to my self. This is a type of resolution, but more a need to see things at work in our lives. I have challenged the church (First Presbyterian, Carthage) to do two things right now and for the whole year. Number one is read the Bible everyday. I hope most people were already accomplishing this resolution so it will be easy to accomplish. I did not give any large scale reading outline. There was not challenge to read the whole Bible in a year (cool idea if someone wanted to accomplish that challenge) or read certain books at specific times. I just challenged people to read the Bible.

The second challenge was to look for God at work in their lives each and everyday. At the end of the year, we can look back and see God's activity, but we need to see what He is doing right now around us. So, we read the Bible to help us know how God works in people's lives than we look for Him working in our lives. After we find Him working, we join in with Him. I hope this to be the ultimate challenge. I working with God at all times. I believe this is the desire that God really has for us. It would be how things worked out with Jesus. People saw what He was doing and they joined His effort. Than they continued working for His desire.

These are my challenges for the start of the year. Many would call these New Year's Resolutions, but I would prefer to call them challenges to be undertaken.

Bible Study

2008-11-05T10:54:00.005-06:00

So, I am not real active on this whole blogging system. I guess it really boils down to the fact I don't like to write in a journal any way. So, I was not sure what this adventure would unfold. I also was hopping for some feedback from people. But that would also require people to have read the blog. All in all, I will keep trying.

As for now, There is a lot of activity in the church. Of special interest to me is the two new Bible Studies (probably because I am the pastor). Of special interest is the Sunday night study using the Connecting with God curriculum. This was written by folks at Renovare. The process in this study is to help people grow closer to God through prayer, worship, and Bible Study. The final result would be that we follow God with each moment of our day. Heavy stuff, but I beleive this is what God desires out of His people.

The first lesson focused on God's desire and intention to leave with all of creation. This was ruined by the failure of people looking mostly for wisdom and power. We studies Genesis 3:1-13. No matter what we feel about this verse and its pointing fingers, the end result remains, God is not walking with us personally and we cannot spend our time speaking face to face. I believe this is what God wants, this is what heaven will be about.

The responsibility of the followers of Jesus s to be His disciples, learning from Him. The best way to learn something is to practice. The assignment for next week study is just that, practice talking with God. I have been doing this much more. One suggestion was to use the Bible as our prayers. I have followed this pattern. God has been up to something in my life. I have not fully come to realize what just yet. I started with Psalm 23. It has haunted me for two days. I have used different verses on different days. But Psalm 23 keeps coming back. I cannot wait to find out what God will teach me with this experiment.

So please, send comments. You might just be the one to help God point me in the right direction.

Making Church A Place to Be

2008-10-14T15:34:00.004-05:00

I am reading a book titled, Essential Church. This book caught my attention not because of the title or even the sub title, reclaiming a Generation of Dropouts. No I decide to pick up the book based on the front cover alone. On the cover was a “Swiss Army style” pocket knife. You know the kind, the ones with all the little tools and instruments able to be pulled out of the slots. I chose this book cover because of one of my strange interests. I am a knife collector. I especially like the Swiss Army knives (I carry one most everywhere). My collection has grown so large that it covers a wall in my house. So, when I found a church ministry book covered with a knife, I immediately picked it up. I was certain it would have all the answers I needed. My assumption was made based on the fact that there are many times all I need to fix something is my Swiss Army Knife.

Well, just as I have learned over the years with my knives, all the answers are not in the book. I have not finished the text, but as of yet, the authors, Thom Rainer and Sam Rainer III, have not given me an answer to the issue of declining church membership. I am left with the same problem as when I started the book, how to turn around an aging church.

I have been given a great reminder while reading this book. People will attend and go to church when they see it as important and a essential to there lives. In the book the authors have interviewed many people who were very active in church and still are and people who were and are no longer active. They especially focused on the 20-35 age range. They pointed out that most people stayed in church because the individual found it essential, something they could not do with out. People who left the church saw it as something that could be replaced with other priorities.

This leads me to my memories. I remember with great fondness the time I spent in church as a youth. I could not get enough church activities in my life. I always wanted to spend time with the people in the church. I thought it was just being a nerd, but it might have been a part of what prepared me to become a minister. Being part of a great community lead me into ministry and into the person I am today (crazy and all).

I am asking God how I can make the congregation I serve the same type of place for the people here. How can this congregation and people become so important to one anther they do not want to miss an opportunity to be together? This is the center of what Thom and Sam write about. The church had become non-essential to people and we need to show people that the church is essential to life. For the message we carry is life.

Disliked Passage

2008-10-07T11:32:00.004-05:00

This past Sunday I did something in worship I thought I would never accomplish in ministry. I found myself called by God to preach on a passage of scripture. I know it was God, because I do not like the passage. I told everyone in the church on Sunday that this was a passage of scripture I do not like. I could not and still cannot bring my self to saying anything more disrespectful about the passage. So that you are not in the dark, my sermon was on Isaiah 43:1-21.

I admitted and I still do admit that it is not he whole passage I have problems with. It is a special verse. Verse 19, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” (NIV) I do not like this verse simply because of what people have used it for over my life time. This has become the catch verse each time a group or church government reorganizes and makes a new way of doing the same old thing. That is exactly my point. This passage has been used to get people excited about what they hope to be a new way of doing church life, but nothing really changed.

But, there is a tremendous amount of power in this chapter. There is hope for a hearting world. There is promise to a scared community and there is the promise of a new thing. I do not ever want to use this passage or chapter at the opening of a new chapter in some church or government. I think (I hope I am doing this) this passage and chapter should be the theme during the process of seeking God and His plan for the congregation and us as individuals. It should not be the capstone. If it is, than I think we have missed God’s potential.

God has done a new thing through Jesus Christ, but God is also doing new things all around us. Each time we meet someone new and they bring a new spark of life into our life, God is up to something new. Each child who is saved from starvation or abuse, God is doing something new in there lives. Isaiah 43 was a chapter of hope to a people facing crises. It should be a chapter of hope for us all.

What was in the Sneeze?

2008-08-26T13:30:00.003-05:00

I have continued to reflect on the Presbyterian Global Fellowship Conference, Inside Out that I attend in Long Beach the other week. Another item that caught me off guard at the conference and from reading Alan Hirsch, The Forgotten Ways was the idea of the sneeze factor. Alan presents and idea that the Gospel of the early church was easily reproduced and sent on, like the germs in a sneeze. This is a strange concept, but I like the idea of a simple gospel message. Since then, I have been thinking about the content of the sneeze.

I got a little idea this past Sunday. I spoke on Matthew 16:13-20. This was the great question of Jesus to the disciples about what other people thought about Him and what the disciples thought about Him. It was in this section that we have the great confession of Peter as to the reality of Jesus, “you are the Christ”(Mathew 16:16). This confession I believe is the sneeze. For Jesus told Peter that on that information the whole church would be built.

This was not easy confession for Peter to make. This was a loaded word for Jesus’ time. In this confession, Peter would betray all the leaders of the Synagogue and Temple. Peter was making the most profound statement, Jesus is God. Based on this profound statement, the church would grow into a world wide force.

I do believe this is the sneeze. This was the little piece of information that could be reproduced into the people and spread like wildfire. Also, as Jesus told Peter, this was the piece that no one could just make up. It was information that could only come from the Spirit of God. Again, I am learning that it is all about Him and not me. I hope I can carry this simple message and pass it and the power it holds to others.

2008-08-21T11:00:00.000-05:00

Sorry I have not posted anything for a few days. I was at the Presbyterian Global Fellowship last week and had a terrific time learning and gathering with other Presbyterians on the issues of serving Christ. I will admit that I did learn a lot even through the temptation to leave and just take in the sights of Southern California. But, I resisted the temptation and went to all the gatherings. I also never really adjusted to Pacific time. It was nice when I got home, but while there I saw times of the day I did not know existed.

What did I take away from the conference? This is the question I have been asking myself since the last moments on Saturday. Right now I can commit fully to 2 things that I feel God wanted me to learn at this years conference. The first is probably the most important. It is not about me, but about God. I have been hit square in the face with a reality of my own failing. I have kept asking what do I need to do, what do I need to accomplish? I have not asked, what is God doing? What is God accomplishing? This is the most important part of all the Christian life. It is no longer I who lives, but Christ in me (see Galatians 2:20). I am working to change all my questions from me to Him.

The second lesson that hit me very hard is to slow down. I have had reasons in the recent past to tell me to slow down, but I do not seem to be listening to them very well. I was remind again through out the conference to slow down and listen to God. This may very well be part of the first lesson, but I have continued to be shown Christ's need to slow down and connect with the Father. I guess if it is important for the Savior, it should be important to me. So, I will seek God's help and direction as I serve him.

These are some of the initial thoughts on a terrific conference. I will write a little more on what has impacted me most in the next few days.

Giving Birth

2008-08-06T09:47:00.000-05:00

I am attempting to work my way through a few books as I get ready for a trip to Long Beach California. I am heading to Long Beach for a conference hosted by the Presbyterian Global Fellowship. This year's main speaker is Alan Hirsch author of the The Forgotten Way. This is the book I am working my way and hope to finish before I take off on Tuesday.

At this moment I am at chapter five, and I should finish the book in time. But this chapter caught me off guard. He spoke about the fact that church's must give birth. Alan quotes Neil Cole of the Southern Baptists Churches in America about the percentage of churches who will have a daughter church. Neil states that only 4% will "give birth" and 96% will not. Then this was put in terms of our human lives. If 96% of women were found infertile, this would be considered a disaster. But we just say that there already is enough churches and no need for more.

This has lead me to some questions about giving birth. First, does giving birth relay mean a church must start a new congregation? Can giving birth be accomplished in a dwindling congregation? Can this be a spiritual or just physical birth? Of course some of these questions sound like Nicodemus when Jesus told him you have to be born again (John 3:1-21) So I guess somethings never really do change.

I do believe that a daughter group is not so much a new church as it is a new way of doing church for a segment of the population. This for me means that an aging congregation can be transformed by giving birth to new ways of serving Christ. An old institutional church can become a missional church. All of this sounds great in my mind, but what would it look like in the world we all must work and live in.

First, I believe the church leadership must accept the fact that what is being done right now is not working. This should be obvious, but it is sometimes hard to admit the problem (This is how most twelve step programs work, maybe we can start a 12 step program for churches). As this is accomplished the leaders start to focus on central issues of faith, Jesus, God the Father, the Holy Spirit and the Bible. This means learning from the Master and re-vowing to be His disciples.

After this, the people in the people in the church are empowered by the leaders and the Holy Spirit to be the ministers of the church. This is where the "birthing" process begins. For the Holy Spirit will plant seeds in the hearts and minds of many. Those people being empowered will stretch out into there places of influence and start new ministries. So, there may be small groups all around, there may be new styles of worship at different times, and many other ministries. All can still be part of the original church with the daughters being the different parts.

This picture will not be easy for an institutional church with boards and "rules", and budgets. I do believe it is possible. Only by God's grace and with the power of the Holy Spirit. With God all things are possible (Matthew19:26)

Chaning of Service

2008-08-04T14:28:00.000-05:00

I am just getting started on this adventure called blogging. I know I am a few years behind the curve, but that is the story of my life. I have always been a little behind the curve. I wrote a few blogs recently for myspace page (myspace.com/revroberts) For those who wish to live only in myspace, I will make every attempt to keep both blogs recent and equal. This blog will be dedicated to issues of Christianity and the work of God through Jesus in the congregation I serve in Carthage, Missouri. When I want to go into some of my other interests, they will only be on the myspace blog. Of course, I will mention them in this place also. I will especially have to speak about the work of the Pittsburgh Steelers as the football season gets ready to open soon.

Now, the recent posts and issues from colleagues and writers of all things Presbyterian has been the recent General Assembly (GA) in June. Now, this is very troubling and has caused me and many people to think about what directions the future holds for the Presbyterian Church (USA). I think of two larger contexts of the drama that has unfolded.

My first response to the last GA and to any and all people who disagree with my conservative stance is a justice and compassion issue. In Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, he declares to the people that they should have concern for those around them. He speaks of eating meat sacrificed to idols. The one's with knowledge know that the idols are not real and there is no reason not to eat meat from idols. Yet, some it the faith may not understand this knowledge yet. By eating this idol meet, they are weakening the faith of the less knowledgeable. I would encourage you to see 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 especially verse 13.

What does this mean for the church. I will admit to being less knowledgeable and willing to say I disagree with the ordination of homosexuals. This has not nor will it be knowledge I withhold. But in this acknowledgment, myself and many others are losing faith in the denomination by the continued pressure to accept what we see as sinful. So, I am asking my colleagues and fellow leaders to consider Paul's admonish.

My second concern is money. I have been a minister for eight years. I am 33 years old. This denomination has been fighting over this issue for my entire life. There has been countless amounts of money spent by the denomination and special interest groups to continue this fight. These are dollars that could have been used to send missionaries to other parts of the world, feed starving children, offer a roof to the homeless, or many other ways to touch the lives of people with Jesus Christ. This is the greater sin. I admit and confess that I have contributed to this disaster. I do pray for forgiveness and God's grace. I also want to make a promise, in this blog, this is the one and only post in reaction to the General Assembly of 2008. I will focus from this point forward to what God is doing in my life as a pastor and in the church I serve.