The Best Christmas Present

Lyn and I follow a daily devotional plan that takes us through the whole Bible every year. This morning took us to 2 Peter. What marvelous riches for meditation! “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by his own glory and goodness” (1:3). What a great verse to begin the Christmas season with. I already have everything I need for the things that matter most.

First, Everything I need for life. All the advertisements try to stir in me a feeling that I don’t have quite enough for real living. I could be happier if I just had their product. The devil constantly whispers in our ears that we need a little more of this or that – money, or food, or sex, or time, or the latest game, or relationship, or even time with our grandkids. All of them may be good things, invented by God for our good, but none of them contain life. Once we come to the realization that Christ alone is our life, then we realize that we already have more than enough! Life does not come through our knowledge about Christ, but in knowing Him. The better I know Him, the more I appreciate and enjoy the life He gives; but the newest convert has full access to the same life.

Second, everything I need for godliness. When Christ becomes our life, then godliness becomes our highest goal. He has already provided for that! Godliness is not reserved for monks locked in a monastery, or missionaries, or pastors studying the Bible all day. I want to be more and more like Christ. I realize that there’s a long road ahead of me in this quest, but I can also look back and see He’s brought me a mighty long way already. While there are hindrances along the way, there are no roadblocks. Of course it will be a challenge. How else could we call it faith? But Christ marks the pathway, Christ gives us strength, Christ gives us the tools (the Bible, a church family, Christian music, good books…), Christ gives us the discipline (goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, love), and Christ picks us up when we fall and puts our feet back on the path.

Why? “So that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption of the world caused by evil desires” (1:4). Me? Lowly, feeble all-to-human me, participate in Christ’s divine nature? Think of it! Sure, who hasn’t daydreamed of having divine power, to be able to “fix” various situations; but divine nature… having His character, His desires, His purity, His peace and equanimity, His ability to love, His insight and grasp of truth… along with the power to always do right.

And escape corruption. No more Second Law of Thermodynamics for us. Everywhere in this world we see decay. Breakdowns, rust, termites, mold, and rot are everywhere. By the time we reach adulthood our health has already peaked, and our bodies have started to wear out. It’s only a matter of time. Christ is the only escape. God’s eternal hope is for us to have eternity with Him. That is why in the beginning of time He planted the Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden. Had it not been for evil desires leading to rebellion, Adam and Eve would be there today, still eating from that tree.

Talk about the best Christmas present ever! His divine power has already given me everything I need for life and godliness, through my knowledge of Him who called me by His own glory and goodness. Thank You Jesus!

All I Want for Christmas is a New Cell Phone

I overheard some children talking about what they wanted for Christmas this year, and was surprised to hear a cell phone make the top of the list! What was unthinkable a decade ago is becoming normal. Talk to any school principal in town and you’ll hear that cell phones are all over.

Did you know that there are nearly 275 million cell phones in use in the United States? That’s nearly 90% of our population! Cell phones are the technological marvel of our time, covering the earth more rapidly than anything ever known. Actually, the US is 3^rd in cell use; India has 441 million, and China a whopping 695 million! 3.5 billion worldwide. There are more text messages sent daily than there are people on earth.

Not that I am complaining. They are a great way to stay connected. As Meg travels to visit churches across the country this year, we can call her and she can call us from anywhere. They are wonderful if you run out of gas or have a travel emergency. They are even quite handy in the grocery store, for a reminder of what exactly am I supposed to get? Yet they can also get in the way of communication, as people ignore the folks right in front of them to talk on the phone.

Isn’t it funny to watch an old spy movie, and see their “secret communication devices”? You couldn’t carry them, because the battery pack was the size of a shoe box. I remember when they first came out. Cell phones were just for rich people. Ordinary folks like me would never need one. Until my neighbor got one… who would’ve imagined how prevalent they have become?

A new cell phone for Christmas. Back in the day before there was any electronic communication, Jesus Christ entered this world as a tiny baby. He was the very Word of God, but he came to connect with us face to face. Some things just don’t work over the phone. He took on flesh and grew up like one of us, so that we can know he understands what we are going through. He laughed and cried like we do.

God wants to connect with us. He took the initiative, and showed up at our door, in a form that wouldn’t terrify us. That’s the wonder of Christmas.

If you want to experience the true meaning of the holiday, make sure you are “picking up the phone,” and connecting with God. “Dial in” to His number. Look for Him in all the music, the decorations, the celebrations and the gifts. Come and worship Him as often as possible.

Want to increase your fullness? Connect with others. Invite a child to church and Sunday School. Bring their whole family along. God so loved the world that He sent His Son! Read the story to a child. Send a card that proclaims Christ, and don’t forget our shut-ins. Hang Christian symbols on your tree as ornaments. Make prayer more prominent in family gatherings. Invite friends and family to church. Invite them again! Schedule family gatherings to include church. If you are the guest, mention that you would like to go to church with them. Adopt a needy family. Bake Christmas treats for someone whose family is far away.

Merry Christmas to you all!

Steve

The Big Event

Saturday is the big day, and I’m going to miss it!

Our church is busy preparing for our annual chicken & noodle dinner & bazaar. Always a fun and busy time! Hundreds of people stop by to eat, visit, and laugh with us. As with any project like this, it takes lots and lots of help. We’ve met monthly to make the noodles (over 100 dozen eggs worth!); others have been baking and making crafts for sale. But the biggest work is this weekend, of course; setting up, pricing, cooking, serving, selling tickets, cutting pies, making coffee… and cleaning up.

Even though I am a “hands-on” kind of guy, I have never helped with the serving. My role has always been to visit with people as they come in, hob-nob with folks we see once a year. In a sense, I am the face of Whetstone to our visitors. Our church folks don’t mind (as long as I help with the clean up), and I think it is fun. I love the whole event, including the “victory dinner” after church the next day with the left-overs.

So why am I going to miss it? I’ll be 2 hours north speaking at a youth retreat. Janet Fleck asked me months ago to join her at “FaithQuest”. Since she came to church camp with me, I thought it was only fair. Of all the weekends in the fall, it happened to hit Whetstone Bazaar.

Why didn’t I graciously back out? Several reasons. One, we have a terrific Youth Minister who can step up in my absence. Dan is more than able to be the “face of Whetstone” – he’s even tall, making him stand out in the crowd. Two, I know the event will run like a well-oiled machine, just like always. But more importantly, after praying about it this seemed the right thing to do.

This is a prayer that started last Fall. I was praying that God would give me the chance to go back to India soon. Then I began to wonder, why am I praying this? And the answer came, because I have seen God work so powerfully there. Last time I was there, the Colts played in the Superbowl and I missed the game - but I didn't miss it at all, because it seemed that a much larger contest was being played out right before my eyes, and God was winning a spiritual victory! Sure, God is at work everywhere all the time; but there are times and places where it seems so much more evident. So I changed my prayer. Instead of praying to go to India, I began praying that God would put me in those times and places. When Janet called back in March, a light went on that this would be one of them.

So, I will sadly but gladly miss the Chicken-Noodle dinner this year. It is possible for our heart to be in two places at the same time. Meanwhile, I eagerly anticipate seeing the Holy Spirit work in the hearts of these youth. I would still like to go back to India, but more than anything I want to be involved with what God is doing. What an honor and privilege that He allows us to take part.

Go Team!

Another Fabulous Fall for the Colts! As I write this they are 5-0, with a 14 game regular season winning streak. Their Sunday opponent, the Rams, have a longer streak going – 16 games in a row – but it’s a losing streak! Las Vegas is predicting the Colts will win by 13 points to extend both streaks.

It’s not that there are no good players in St. Louis. All of them were highly successful in college. And many of those losses were close. But there is something missing. The timing and teamwork of the Colts is like a well-oiled machine, and a beautiful thing to watch. At least for a Colts fan! It might be different in St. Louis.

We’ve been studying the book of Philippians on Sunday mornings. Paul closes his letter with a plea for teamwork; he writes in 4:2-3, “I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord…. Help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel.” Something was going wrong with the team. These two women were among the earliest believers in Philippi, and each played big roles in getting the church established. They worked side by side with Paul in spreading the news of Christ, in training new believers, in expressing the love of God with acts of kindness. They had shared in victory after victory as the Holy Spirit did great things among them. Yet now, for some reason, they were contending with each other. It’s not that one was right and the other wrong – Paul pleads with both of them. Something had come between them, and instead of facing their true opponent, they were fighting against a team mate.

There is nothing like working together for a common cause to draw people together. Especially when that cause is God’s cause. None of us can accomplish God’s plans by ourselves. Only together can we advance His Kingdom. If I think I have a better idea than what the rest of the team is doing, it is going to mess up the whole play. If Dallas Clark thinks it would be better to turn left, but Manning is expecting him to turn right, the play will likely end up as an interception. But each time they do it right builds their confidence in each other.

So why are humans so susceptible to letting hurt feelings come between team mates, even when we have a long history of working together? It is part of our fallen nature. But with Christ, it does not have to be that way. We are on the same team. Our Coach has a great game plan. He already has a victory celebration planned at the end of the season! When the highlight reels are being played, I don’t want to be the one seen running the wrong way, blocking out a team mate instead of an opponent.

I am so thankful to be on God’s team with you! I count it a privilege to work side by side with such great team mates.

PASS THE WORD!

Have you ever left a piece of fruit or something sticky on the kitchen counter overnight, then by morning found yourself surrounded with company? A two-way stream of ants going back and forth from that spot across the cabinet, down the wall, under the door, and across the patio to their colony in the back yard.
You hadn’t put up any signs in the yard to let them know you had been lazy with sweet, gooey stuff the night before. Who knows the name of the first ant who sensed something was available in your kitchen? But when he found it he passed the word along to the rest of his colony immediately — and hundreds of his fellows were streaming in and out of your house until Mr. Raid announced a change of plans.
When Jesus walked this earth, something like that happened. He didn’t blow trumpets or send out advertizing to prepare the way. He simply showed up and began changing lives. Then like the woman at the well, they went and told others. Before long there was a steady stream of people coming to meet Him. Then they went out and brought their friends too.
Evangelism at its best is not a duty or a program. It is showing how Christ touched you with joy, peace, and wholeness! The best argument for Christ does not come in words alone, but in our lives, as we walk in the Spirit. Unfortunately the flip side is also true; the best argument against the Christian faith is Christians who are full of themselves, unloving, bitter, or gloomy.
Our goal as witnesses is not to change people, but to introduce them to Jesus. It is not our job to get them to quit their bad habits. As they get closer to God, the Holy Spirit will do a fine job of pointing out where they need to change. Like the ants, we simply tell where the sweet stuff is!
“You will be my witnesses...” Acts 1:8. Pass the word! Say something nice about God today.

IMHO

I was taking part in an on-line conversation awhile back, and came across the acronym “IMHO”; to which the next person replied with a “IMNSHO.” I had to turn to someone younger than I to get the translation, “In My Humble Opinion;” I figured out for myself that the extra NS stood for “not so.” It made me wonder, how often are my “humble opinions” stated in a way that is not so humble after all? Ted Turner (not exactly the poster child for modesty) once said “If I had a little bit of humility, I’d be perfect.”

In his book, Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis calls pride the great sin, saying, "There is one vice of which no man in the world is free; which everyone in the world loathes when he sees it in someone else. Pride is spiritual cancer, it eats up the very possibility of love, or contentment, or even common sense. If anyone would like to acquire humility I can I think tell him the first step. The first step is to realize that one is proud. And a big step too. At least nothing whatever can be done before it. If you think you are not conceited, it means you are very conceited indeed."

How could Jesus be so humble? He had more to be proud of than anyone! His identity as Messiah, all the miracles, his faithfulness to God, his sacrifices for the sake of the Kingdom… to say nothing about his divine nature! Yet we constantly see Jesus taking the humble position. He never demands that others serve him, and never complains about being mistreated. He did teach “as one with authority,” not just sharing humble opinions. And he did tread on a few toes in the process. But it was more about the truth, not about building his own reputation.

Humility is a process of dying to self. It involves giving up the need to be the important one. It is never easy among our peers. I’ve noticed, though, that when we are in the presence of someone truly great it comes more naturally. We turn our focus to them.

When we are in worship, we recognize that we are in the presence of God. There is no room for personal pride in worship because it is about Him, not about us. The more we are aware of His awesome presence the more humble we will be.

But what about our normal day to day interactions with our Christian brothers and sisters… can we recognize Christ living in them? They may not be letting His light shine through very brightly at the moment, but that does not reduce His presence. May God help us to see Himself in each other.

IMHO, the light of Christ shines beautifully in your eyes.

School Days

School days are here again…can fall be far behind?

School memories are a mixed bag. One of my least favorite memories is running to catch the bus, only to be tripped by the school bully. The gash on my hand didn’t hurt as bad as the bruise to my ego.

Why are some people so mean? Why, after all the years of working on “self-esteem”, psychology, new medications, and social work, do we still have bullies in school? Why, with our increased knowledge of human behavior, do we have more people in jail and prison than ever? Easy to label the problem as SIN, but we still have to deal with the suffering.

Paul writes in Colossians 1“Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, the church.” I wrestle with how to understand this. Obviously Paul does not mean that the Cross is insufficient, that more suffering is required to atone for our sins. But somehow he claims that his suffering works for the good of the church.

What is it about suffering that can work out for the good? We’d just as soon avoid it all together. We might each have a different image of “the good life”, but rarely does it include suffering!

Could it be that in our suffering we can participate in the sacrificial nature of Christ? His sacrifice was much bigger than the cross. Jesus was constantly giving of himself for the sake of others. He viewed all of life, including his suffering, in the light of his highest goal – fulfilling God’s purpose.

So what about the bullies? I don’t think they are doing God’s will, but the way we respond to them gives us the opportunity to fulfill God’s purpose.

"I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead." Phil 3:10-11

School days are here again…can fall be far behind?

School memories are a mixed bag. One of my least favorite memories is running to catch the bus, only to be tripped by the school bully. The gash on my hand didn’t hurt as bad as the bruise to my ego.

Why are some people so mean? Why, after all the years of working on “self-esteem”, psychology, new medications, and social work, do we still have bullies in school? Why, with our increased knowledge of human behavior, do we have more people in jail and prison than ever? Easy to label the problem as SIN, but we still have to deal with the suffering.

Paul writes in Colossians 1 “Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, the church.” I wrestle with how to understand this. Obviously Paul does not mean that the Cross is insufficient, that more suffering is required to atone for our sins. But somehow he claims that his suffering works for the good of the church.

What is it about suffering that can work out for the good? We’d just as soon avoid it all together. We might each have a different image of “the good life”, but rarely does it include suffering!

Could it be that in our suffering we can participate in the sacrificial nature of Christ? His sacrifice was much bigger than the cross. Jesus was constantly giving of himself for the sake of others. He viewed all of life, including his suffering, in the light of his highest goal – fulfilling God’s purpose.

OPPOSITES ATTRACT

This has been kind of a whirlwind summer for Lyn and me. VBS was followed by Solid Rock Church Camp. Then we left for the 4-C Family Conference (with David and Sandy) in Iowa. As soon as we got back from that, we were switching our suitcases to head over to Hungary to witness our daughter getting married. Weddings are always wonderful occasions, filled with beauty and pageantry. This one was even more, because of all the different traditions. Since the happy couple is also planning an American wedding (September 12, and you are invited) reflecting American traditions, they made the first ceremony truly Hungarian. Translators made it possible for us to follow along. The reception lasted till 3am, and included a “second supper” after midnight! The food was quite different – even the cake – but very delicious.

As a father, I can see that Meg and Gabor have some challenges ahead of them. Cultural differences usually pop up in surprising little things. Things that you assume “everyone knows this.” Like how to celebrate birthdays, for instance. Or how to paint a room, or how to raise kids.

In a sense, all marriages are somewhat cross-cultural, since “Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus.” Yes, men and women are wired differently in many ways. It is curious that God chose to design a world where opposites attract. And though those “opposites” can create a lot of tension in a marriage, they also give it strength and vitality.

One of the strange things about Culture is that it largely operates behind the scenes. We do not hear the accent in our own voice. People from the South or from Minnesota have accents, not us. People from England have really strong accents, but we talk plain English.

It is hard for us to realize how much our Culture affects our religion. The great missionary statesman, Dr. Ralph Winter, always urged his students to be aware of how their own culture influenced their understanding of the Bible. Our upbringing shapes how we interpret the Word. It determines which verses we read, and persuades how we obey.

That is why we need the church. It protects us from getting lost in our own narrow views. And that is why it is so healthy for us to have a wide network of relationships. Even though I am fully committed and fully invested in Whetstone Church, I make it a point to have friends who are Baptist and Methodist and Lutheran and Assembly of God and Independent.

And that is one of the big values in taking missions trips. Traveling outside our culture helps us to see our own culture in a clearer light. It has helped me to see that God is far bigger than my preconceived notions. When I see the power of the Gospel transforming lives in India, I know without a doubt that we follow the one True God!

Talk about “opposites attract” – how is it possible that the infinite holy God could be attracted to me? When the Body of Christ becomes the Bride of Christ, that will be the most cross-cultural marriage ever! But oh what a day that will be.

How Long Is 20 Years?

That depends, of course. Looking forward it might seem forever; looking back, the same 20 years are but a moment. The 20 years I spent in school seemed pretty long at the time, even with summers off. The 20 years a child takes to grow up lasts as long as an ice cream cone in July. And 20 years spent doing what you love tends to fly by.

It doesn’t seem possible that I’ve been pastor of Whetstone for 20 years. When I look at the pictures of our family when we came, it seems like ages ago. Yet it feels like just a little bit. How many hospital visits? Funerals? Births? Baptisms? Weddings? I haven’t counted, but I know it is not enough yet!

I never would’ve guessed 20 years ago that we would still be here today. But the future is a funny thing. We never know how it is going to turn out. We can make predictions, but it is not in our control. We can and should make preparations, which definitely have an influence on how tomorrow turns out. But there are many more influences and circumstances in the mix. That is why I am so glad to say with Psalm 23, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” When we trust in Him, He keeps our feet on the pathway that leads to life. And Psalm 121, “The Lord will watch over your coming and your going, both now and forevermore.” He holds the future in His hands.

A few Sundays ago we read from Philippians 3:14, “forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward.” It has been really nice living in the same house for 20 years. But nice as it is, this house is nothing compared to the one God has prepared for us. And even a whole lifetime here is only a moment compared to the eternity God has in mind for us.

We can look backward at 20 years or 40 years or 80 years and celebrate victories, or bemoan the defeats. All of us have had plenty of successes and failures. As a congregation we can look back at 135 years of continuous worship and discipleship and ministry here on the corner of 60^th and Madison (or, Whetstone Road and Brown Street Road). Plus 10 years before that in homes and schools. Do you think those early church planters had any idea of how things would turn out today? Did they dream that one day those corn fields would be filled with houses, and this country church would be part of the city of Anderson? Neither do we know how the future will turn out. But because of their faithfulness Whetstone Church was here for us.

I look forward to our church picnic this month, as we celebrate our history. How many lives have been shaped for the good, how many souls drawn to Christ through the ministry of this congregation? I have no idea of that number, but I do know this – not enough yet! Let’s keep pressing on to win the prize. God is calling us heavenward. Don’t give up till we get there.

Join the Parade

 

With nicer weather, we are entering into Parade season. Don’t you love hearing the marching bands? First the drums, then the tubas, with the full music swelling as it approaches. But before you know it, this band fades into the next one in line.

This is also the season of flowers. Have you noticed the pictures at worship? We’ve tried to show a weekly progression of the blossoms around the church. Every springtime is like a parade of flowers! First the crocus and the daffodils, then tulips. The blooming trees burst out, each in their turn. As one fades, another marches down the street blaring out its beauty. Lilacs are just beginning, peonies are on the way, and a host of others just beginning to push their way out of the ground. How easy it is to see the hand of God behind it all, in beauty revealing His love to the world. Spring would be pretty if the only flower were tulips, and the only color red. But don’t you appreciate God’s exuberance?

You might say that the Bible is like a parade also. We read about one character after another who was faithful in serving God in their day. Noah, Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Gideon, Sampson, David… none of them perfect, but all of them making a contribution. In the New Testament we read about Peter and John and Paul continuing the march. Jesus, the Grand Marshal, came in the middle.

You could read church history and see that the parade has continued on over the centuries. Again, easy to see God’s hand guiding, His word inspiring, His Holy Spirit empowering. God has a purpose and a design for this world.

I like to read and remember our own church history, the pastors who have served here, the members who helped shape who we are today. Like Loretta McCombs teaching the Busy Bee class for over 50 years! Even though she has been gone for several years now, her service to Christ is still affecting lives. I love hearing the stories of our first VBS, or pouring the concrete for the basement walls all in one day.  It’s amazing how God has planned it so one generation flows into another and the music keeps playing.

Does it make you wonder what a future generation will remember about us? We are part of the parade! We didn’t start it; we didn’t even choose the music. We’re just trying to follow the Director.

Wait… if we are in the parade, then who is watching it? Our children, of course. They want to know if it is worth it to jump in line. Will our lives inspire them to take music lessons so they can play in God’s marching band? Those who have made wrong decisions, living apart from Christ, whose lives are in turmoil, are also watching to see if there might be hope for them.

I think there are more – the Saints who have gone before, who have already finished the course, are watching to see how we will continue. Not with a critical eye to point out our sour notes, but cheering us on and celebrating that the song goes on.

And ultimately God is our audience. He’s the one who really matters. He is the one who designed the parade in the first place. It’s His mind that planned the route. His hand wrote the music and set the tempo.

       Keep on Marching!

  

            Blessings!       

Heroes - part 2

            Moses had the right stuff – the stuff heroes are made of. When Pharoah gave orders to throw all Hebrew babies into the Nile, Moses had the good luck of being in the right place at the right time. All heroes start with a large dose of good luck – even Superman did not invent his superpowers, he had the good luck to be born with them. But a true hero does need to nurture and develop and hone his or her abilities. No amount of work will ever make me as good a basketball player as Michael Jordan; yet it certainly required a lot of work on his part to develop his natural abilities.

            Moses had the Mo. He was a rising star in Egypt. He had the connections, the training, the resources. He was a mover and shaker. When he wanted something, he made it happen. So naturally, when he began to think of his Hebrew heritage, he thought he could do something to make life better for his people. Who else was in a position to help?

            Ever notice in a ball game how easy it is for momentum to change? A team is down 20 points just minutes before the half, then intercepts a pass for a touchdown, then on the kickoff recovers a fumble and scores again. They are still down 6 points, but the momentum has shifted. Moses suddenly found himself running into the wilderness, a price on his head. Going from prince to pauper, all his hero dreams were dashed. He was trying to do something great for God, but failed.

            What Christian doesn’t want to do something great for God? Isn’t that why we signed up for camp? We use our skills, our training, our networks to recruit counselors and staff. We plan out what we are going to do when. We’ve got the Mo working our way! Then someone calls to cancel. Monkey wrenches get tossed into the gears, and everything comes screeching to a halt. Bills come due, and we wonder where the $$$ is going to come from.

            It must’ve been depressing out in the wilderness for someone like Moses, raised on hero dreams. Out there he had no fancy clothes to impress. No one cared what books he had read, or poets he had known. His social network was gone… replaced with a family of shepherds. Moses, the man who thought he had the right stuff to fix any problem, discovered he had very little.

            He must’ve learned the lesson well, because when God called from the burning bush 40 years later, Moses had no desire to respond. When God said “Go to Egypt and set my people free” Moses declined because he was a nobody. When God said “I will be with you, now go” Moses replied “I don’t even know your name… how can I claim to represent you?” When God said “I am who I am – the God of your fathers – I will reveal myself to you” Moses answered “I have no authority, no power; why should anyone listen to me?” When God said “What is in your hand, Moses? Throw it down,” and turned the stick into a snake, promising Moses the power of miracles, Moses came back with “but I can’t speak – I’m out of practice, and not eloquent.” When God promised to give him the words, Moses begged God to just send someone else. Anyone could do a better job – he had already tried and failed. He thought he was hero material, but it didn’t work out. Moses saw himself as better suited to be a shepherd. He was too scared to try again.

            As it turns out, that is just the kind of attitude that God was looking for. The world is full of hot-shots thinking they can fix the problems. And often they can, but they create 3 or 4 others in the process. They step on toes and break hearts and disappoint the people who love them most. God does not need our talents and abilities, as if we had something to offer Him that no one else could… He is the one who created our talents and abilities in the first place. “Humble yourself beneath the mighty hand of God, and in due time He will exalt you.” “If anyone would be great among you, he must become least of all.” “The first will be last, and the last will be first.” Get the point? God wants His power and His love to shine through us, not our talents and abilities.

            When we try our best to do something for God, we are surprised when God does not seem impressed. God should be grateful that we have given so much… far more than those other “lukewarm Christians.” Why does He let these great plans fizzle? We worked so hard for Him…

            Give God your nothingness. Remember Paul in Philippians 3:1-11, “Whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ….”

            If God wanted glorious service, He would’ve sent the angels.

            God wants the fellowship of working together with us and through us. His power is not something we can wield or control; but when we humbly submit to Him, He can wield us as a weapon to tear down strongholds. God wielded Moses to the destruction of the false systems of Egypt. God chooses the foolish things of this world to same the wise; God chooses the weak things of the world to shame the strong (1Cor 1:27).

            May God use our weak efforts, but submitted hearts, to accomplish His purpose at Solid Rock Camp 2009.

Hungry? Come and Dine

Do This, Remembering Me

     Some parts of our Christian Faith are so simple and easy to understand.  God’s power and wisdom in creation, for instance.  Our human sinfulness and need of a Savior is pretty evident in our own lives, and is reinforced every day in the news.  The love of God, especially in sending Jesus Christ, is harder to accept than it is to understand.

 But when Jesus gathered around the table with the disciples for their last supper together, I realize my mind is not big enough to comprehend.  1 Corinthians 11 tells us “The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”

 Could it actually be His body and blood? He was still “wearing” it at the time.  My rational mind says Jesus was using the bread and the cup as a symbol pointing to the meaning of His death on the cross.  But here is the mystery:  when I approach communion in faith and reverence God touches me!  It is different than popping a peppermint life saver in my mouth and thinking holy thoughts.  I can’t explain it.  I experience it.

 God uses many ways to communicate with us.  The Bible, music, a preacher, a book, even a rainbow.  And a sacrament.  Jesus Christ says “Do this, remembering me.” 

 At our church, our Palm Sunday worship will include Communion on April 5.  And on Thursday, April 9, we will have a Maundy Thursday service to remember the Last Supper.  Come with faith, with expectation, and with reverence; open your heart and your mind for the Lord to touch you.

 

He did it just for you

Abraham

Abraham has always been one of my heroes. Perhaps it started because I wanted to be rich like him. But Abraham viewed his riches as simply possessions, nothing to compare with his relationship with God.

I’ve been thinking lately about what Abraham actually did. Not that much, really. He didn’t slay any dragons. He was in one battle, and won it, but God doesn’t share any of the details. Really, all he did was to get up and put one foot in front of the other in response to God’s leading. When he started out, he didn’t even know where God was taking him. But he trusted that God had his best interest in mind.

The LORD had said to Abram, “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you. Genesis 12:1-3

If you knew that God was planning to bless you, where would you be willing to go? What would you be willing to try? Hey, that’s a good line to use for potential counselors, isn’t it? God has our best interest in mind. He proved it in sending His Son!

He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Romans 8:32 

Abraham got up, put one foot in front of the other. Though it was certainly a giant step of faith, it was no great achievement. God did the work. God provided the blessing. God built the nation. Abraham and Sarah couldn’t even have a baby by natural means or by their own power. But they could walk by faith.

That’s what I love about doing camp. That’s why I haven’t missed a summer in 25 years. We just show up, and watch what God does. Yes, we do a lot of planning and preparing; it is important to know what games are we going to play and who is going to sleep in what cabin. Things will go a lot better if we care for the details. But it is God who does the work. He is the one who pours out the blessing.

The marvelous thing about God – when we are faithful in following Him, not only do we receive blessings, so do the peoples around us. His blessings spill over. God’s intention is to bless as many as will receive it. He never blesses one at the expense of another. His blessings never come with unintended consequences or negative side effects. In His awesome wisdom God works for the good of all, all at the same time.

Abraham was already “blessed” before he ever got up to follow. He had large flocks, a crew of servants, a thriving business. He could’ve been content with what he had already. We have a pretty good life here in America. We could easily be content with the good things that we already have. Abraham believed that God had more in mind. Let’s not forget that God has more in mind for us. Eternal Life! Sins forgiven! Relationship with Him! A huge family of faith! Purpose for living! Perfect peace!

Another marvelous thing about walking with Him – we are most blessed when we most pass on the blessing. God will “fill my cup” with blessing when I need, but when I start passing it on, it’s like getting a garden hose full of blessing – a never ending supply!

I pray for camp this summer, that I will get to be part of God’s garden hose, sharing His blessings with the kids who come.

May God bless you in your thinking and planning and praying.

Yours,

Steve G

 

 

Carry a nail for Lent

A pastor had a little kitten stuck up in a tree, and the kitty would not come down. The tree was not sturdy enough to climb so the pastor decided that if he tied a rope to his car and drove until the tree bent down, he could then reach up and get the kitten. But as he moved just a little too far, the rope broke. The tree snapped upright and the kitten instantly sailed through the air and out of sight.

He felt just terrible and walked all over the neighborhood asking people if they had seen a little kitten. Nobody had and finally he prayed, "Lord, I commit this kitten to Your keeping," and then went about his business.

A few days later he was at the grocery store and met one of his church members. In her shopping cart he was amazed to see cat food. Now this woman was a cat hater and everyone knew it, so he asked her why she was buying cat food when she hated cats so much.

She replied, "You won't believe this but I have been refusing to buy my little girl a cat even though she has been begging for one. Finally I told her that if God gives you a cat, I'll let you keep it.

"I watched my child go out into the yard, get on her knees and ask God for a cat. And really, Pastor, you won't believe this but I saw it with my own eyes. A kitten suddenly came flying out of the blue sky with its paws spread out and landed right in front of her. Of course I had to let her keep the kitten since it came from God…”

Jesus taught his disciples, saying: And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. (Matthew 6:5-6)

 Prayer -- just the word elicits a wide variety of responses and feelings.  Everything from the most pious of responses to the most piteous of excuses, the concept and practice of prayer has evoked much writing and discussion in Christian circles down through the ages. Most of us would profess fairly easily that we believe prayer is important. Most of us would have to confess, perhaps not so easily, that we do not pray as we should.

 As we begin our Lenten pilgrimage, let us begin with prayer. And I mean that both literally and figuratively. Let us begin where Jesus always seemed to begin every venture and effort, with prayer. It is one of the Lenten disciplines espoused by the religious for years. But it is more than just a discipline. So let us take some time, as we begin our Lent, to explore what prayer is, or is not.

 Lent is a time designed to help us prepare for Easter.  It is intended to help us see our need for a Savior.  As we consider all the ways we have fallen short and failed to measure up, we grow in our appreciation of Christ.

Prayer is one of the primary ways we have of acknowledging our dependance on God.  It’s not about getting God’s help to bail us out, or to help us achieve our goals.  When we pray we are confessing that God gets to set the agenda.  We are asking for clarity in seeing it, and for the power of the Holy Spirit to accomplish it.

Too often, though, we start with a self-centered approach.  Mark Twain had Huckleberry Finn give these comments on Prayer:

"Miss Watson, she took me in the closet and prayed, but nothing came of it. She told me to pray everyday, and whatever I asked for I would git it. But it warn't so. I tried it. Once I got a fish line but no hooks. It warn't any good to me without hooks. I tried for the hooks three or four times, but somehow I couldn't make it work. By and by, one day, I asked Miss Watson to try for me, but she said I was a fool. She never told me why, and I could never make it out no way. I set down one day in the woods and had a long think about it. I says to myself, if a body can get anything they pray for, why don't Deacon Wynn get back the money he lost on pork? Why can't Miss Watson fat up? No, says I to myself, there ain't nothin' to it."

Corrie Ten Boom  asks, "Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire ? "

Lincoln's Proclamation on Prayer   April 30, 1863

 “We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven. We have been preserved, these many years, in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth and power, as no other nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us; and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to God that made us It behooves us, then to humble ourselves before the offended Power, to confess our national sins, and to pray for clemency and forgiveness.”

 This Lenten season, as we think about our purpose in life, let us approach it prayerfully.  Let us remember Jesus Christ, who lived each day in the spirit of prayer.  It was a  mark of his dependance on God.  Express your dependance on God.  Hold on tightly to His purpose. Jesus expressed that supremely when he died on the cross.  He made a commitment and didn’t back down. 

 I  carry a nail in my pocket, as a reminder of what Christ went through.  But it also reminds me of Christ’s commitment to me.  When we want something to be solid, we nail it down.  He didn’t need nails to hold him to the cross;  his love was enough. But it reminds us of how solid his love for us is.

  Is your commitment to Christ nailed down solid?  Is your love for Him dependable?  Unwavering? Or is it dependant on the weather, or your health, or material prosperity?

“No Rules, Just Right”

Courtroom visits are sad.  Especially when you see a good boy, who was raised in a good home and a good church, who has made some very bad decisions.  You can’t pass over the consequences, or remove his responsibility, even though you grieve for him and his family.

  It is hard, raising kids.  When they are little, we can just give them rules to follow.  “Don’t play in the street;  don’t hit your sister…”  As we teach them about God, we stress obedience, and doing what God requires.  “Don’t tell lies;  don’t steal;  don’t swear…”  Rules, however, only reach as far as Daddy’s arm.  It’s OK, if you don’t get caught.  Big kids/adults need more than rules.

Sometimes our faith gets stuck at that childhood level of obeying the rules.  A “good Christian” is one who does good.  Hey, that’s better than doing bad!  The problem is, Jesus didn’t pay much attention to rules.  He always did what was right, but not because of rules.  Put simply, Jesus walked in harmony with the Father.  Right actions flowed from a heart that was right with God.

Jesus defines a “good Christian” as one who is in tune with Him.  One who cares about the things He cares about.  One who would do nothing to displease or dishonor Him.  One who finds joy just in spending time with Him.  The Christian life is – Christ in me.

I don’t understand it.  Rules would seem simpler.  On the other hand, seeing what we humans do with tax rules shows that it’s not that simple;  we’re always looking for a loophole!  God would rather have our heart first, then our behavior.

This is the beginning of the season of Lent in the church, when we consider again what does it mean to be a Christian.  You’ve heard the commercial, “No Rules, Just Right.”  A heart that is right with God does right without rules.  Let’s consider Jesus, heart to heart.  Take time to read the Gospels, and talk to the Author.  Do some fine-tuning, to be locked into His wavelength.  Christ in you.  When Christ is in our thoughts and attitudes, it will show in our actions

Even Greater than Expected

What if the various churches in a community could come together for a joint season of seeking the Lord, and reaching out to their neighbor?

Last fall 15 pastors in Anderson decided to try it. We co-wrote a devotional, focussing on the Greatest Commandment and the Great Commission. Our 15 congregations from a variety of backgrounds started reading it this week. Week one targets what it means to love God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength. Week two aims at loving our neighbor as ourselves. Week three  is designed to share with an unchurched friend, with six daily readings describing the joy of living with Christ. The title for this grand adventure? "Living the GREAT Life." Check it out at www.AndersonChurches.com. 

I've been reflecting on that - how great life is when we love God to the best of our ability, let that love spill over to our neighbor, and participate in sharing the good news of God's love! I used to think that life was something you endured. Get through the day. Keep your head down, enjoy what you can along the way, but don't expect too much. That way you will not be disappointed. God was in the picture, but only around the edges. He was the shadowy figure waiting to judge. You could call on Him in emergencies, but it was best not to call too much attention to yourself if you could help it.

Then by God's grace that all changed. God showed me He wants to be the center of life, not the shadow.  I prayed 36 years ago to ask Christ to be my Savior, and to help me live for Him. He answered that prayer with more than I ever imagined! What a GREAT life it has been!

I like to say "God's way is the right way; all shortcuts lead thruogh the brier patch." God has given us guidelines for good healthy living, and every time I think I know a better way than Him I find out how wrong I am. My ways always bring unintended consequences and hidden costs. His ways have unexpected blessings and surprise bonuses. 

But God's way is far more than a list of rules or principles. It's a relationship! That's why the greatest command is about love, and the primary principle is to live by faith. It means to put our hand in His hand and walk together. And let me tell you, there is no greater life than that. There is no greater joy than to receive God's love and to give mine back. There is no greater adventure than to step into the unknown with Him, trusting that He knows where He's going!

I think back on all the amazing times at church camp (All Ages II at Merom - WOW! Solid Rock Camp at St. Marys - POW!) of seeing God touch young lives. Emmaus Walks and mission trips. God has taken me places I never dreamed I'd be able to go; India, Nicaragua, Hungary, Ukraine. Nothing inspires faith quite like your first taxi ride in India! 

Truly, there is no greater life than living with God and for God. No greater work than letting Him work through you. No greater legacy than planting seeds of eternity. No greater thrill than seeing God's miracles.