Thinking Faith Cafe

Unexpected Blessings

2012-02-17T17:47:00.000-05:00

Tuesday was one of the better Valentine's Days I've experienced. We did not make any real plans due to a busy schedule, but we celebrated that we would be able to spend most of the day together which is always a blessing. After teaching a class and completing the work in my morning office hours, I was able to join my wife for a little time in the afternoon. It was then I learned that our son made plans for himself and our evening appointments needed to cancel. Suddenly, we had most of the day to ourselves. What an unexpected blessing.

Life is full of unexpected blessings which we can savor if we are willing to open our spiritual eyes and be attentive to what is happening within us as well as around us. Even in challenging circumstances, there are windows of beauty and reasons for thanksgiving. Jesus told his disciples that he would be with them always, even to the end of the world. Such knowledge is itself, an unexpected blessing.

These blessings are all around us, but they require attentiveness to see them. Certainly, some blessings are so large, so obvious, that we cannot help but perceive them. The majority, however, do not shout for our attention. They enter our lives unannounced and often pass by with no acknowledgement, leaving us unable to rejoice in thanksgiving for another divine gift.

So, how do we position ourselves to taken more of these blessings? Here are a few suggestions:

1. Slow down - everything around us in our culture, encourages us to live at a frenetic pace that makes it difficult to take in much of anything. Over-full schedules leave little room for anything else. Slowing down, even a little, gives our minds and spirits room to breathe in the goodness of God.

2. Make time to reflect - Along with a slower pace, scheduling time to pause and reflect, allows us to examine our lives for hidden blessings. Making this choice may be a hidden blessing in itself and will certainly give us intentional moments to appreciate things we would otherwise miss.

3. Live in the present - This is my favorite, and I believe the most beneficial. Too often our minds are on thing in our past, or concerns for our future. Our thoughts and attention is focused on another time than the time we are living. This kind of distraction is amazingly stressful and nearly prevents us from seeing the blessings that are happening all around us. The past is just that, past, and the future will be there when we get there, but this moment is where we are and we will never have it again. If we live in the moment we are in, there will be so much more to appreciate, and we will be more free to do just that.

Here's to the awesome gift of hidden blessings waiting to be discovered. May God grant us the grace to find more and more.

Back with Love

2012-02-14T13:07:00.000-05:00

It's about time I start writing again. It seems like I said this too many times before. Life has an interesting way of becoming overfull before you know it. Since my last post in 2011, we celebrated several major holidays, helped two of our children settle into college, and experienced a myriad of changes at church. It's been a time filled with excitement and with a few significant health challenges. Yet through it all, God has been an ever-present source of help and strength.

Now, with the bulk of those experiences behind us, it is time to begin writing again. I've missed the opportunity to share my thoughts, and I've missed the opportunity for all of the creativity that comes with sharing with all of you. As we journey together further into this New Year, I look forward to all that God has in store.

Today is the day to celebrate love and those we love. It will be marked with cards, chocolate, flowers, and numerous other gifts. Some of these will be purchased today, on the way home. People who procrastinated, or simply forgot, will run out to find something to show just how much they love that special someone in their lives.

I hope that last sentence sounds wrong to you, because it is. Thinking that a last minute scramble to buy anything that makes it look like we care falls a little short on actually caring. I would love to tell you that I’ve never done this, but that would be somewhat disingenuous. Truthfully, more than once I waited to the last minute, or forgot. I would like to tell you I was justified in those circumstances, but that would be equally untrue.

Loving is an action and it requires intentionality. More than just a feeling of affection, love is a choice to offer unconditional acceptance and compassion. We decide to love, and we make that decision again and again. This is where intentionality comes in. We ought not to try to slide by on yesterday’s decisions and actions, instead, we should reaffirm our love in word and deed every opportunity we find. Just as there is a large gap between finding time and making time for things, there is an equally large chasm between finding opportunities to show our love and intentionally planning to do so.

As you celebrate the gift of love today, and every day, may you do so with passion and intention. May the those you love never need to question your heart as they see your love in action, and may the world see the awesome power of the gift of love from a God who is love in you.

Happy Valentines Day

Strengthening the Core of Love

2012-02-13T13:38:00.000-05:00

This is the month our culture turns its attention to the celebration of the gift of love. Special dinners, chocolates and other special gifts become symbols of our emotions as we celebrate Valentine's Day. While some may say it is little more than a holiday created to sell more cards and gifts, at least there is a moment when we pause to reflect on the blessing of love in our lives and in the world.

Thankfully, as Christians, we do not limit our celebration of love to one day, or one month every year. We know that it is love that exemplifies the heart of our life of faith. After all, the Bible tells us that God is love, and that God loved the world so much that he sent Jesus to save the world and bring us back into right relationship with God. When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was, he said to love God with everything we have and are, then he said we should love others as we love ourselves. Love is at the core of our Christian life.

These days, there is a lot of talk about, "strengthening our core." Now, when the culture uses this term, the reference is to our physical core, those muscles at the center of our body. When these muscles are stronger, then our whole body is stronger, which is why there is such a growing emphasis on improving our physical health in this area. Likewise, when we strengthen the core of our faith, our whole spiritual experience is strengthened.

When we make Jesus Christ the foundation of our lives and allow his amazing love to have its way in us, we live more fully in the image of Christ and we make a more significant impact on our family, our community and the world. Love is at the center and when our love is strong, so is our faith and witness. Love is the greatest test of our walk with Christ.

In 1 John 4:7-8 we read, "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love, does not know God for God is love." These are powerful words! If we know God, we will be people who love, and if we do not love, we do not know God! What a test!

While the world around us is celebrating a annual festival of love, may it be a reminder for us that every day is a celebration of God's love in our lives and through them as well. So, know that you are loved by the Love of the universe, and remember that it is that love that flows through you in witness to the world.

Christmas Meditation

2011-12-13T10:11:00.001-05:00

I've always enjoyed Christmas lights, especially on the tree. My father allowed me to help with setting up the tree and putting on the lights and it was a big day when I was allowed to be responsible for the lights all by myself.

Sometimes, late at night, I would go downstairs and light the tree. I would lay on the sofa and just take in the the beauty of the tree, and admire my handiwork as well. This became a special holiday tradition for me, and I still make time to sit in the living room with the lights off, admire the beauty of the tree (now decorated by our children), and savor the wonder of the season.

It is true that there is something magical about Christmas. The smells of holiday baking, the pine and poinsettias, even the twinkle lights are all reminders that there is something special about this time of year. Whether it is driving around town looking at holiday displays or sitting quietly by the tree, there is wonder to be found if we are willing to look.

Jesus often encouraged those around him to have eyes to see and ears to hear, and oh, how we need them. Sometimes, the very thing we are trying to celebrate gets lost in the celebration.

I remember hearing the story of a child who was praying aloud with his family. As they listened in, he offered up his concerns for them and the world and then closed with the Lord's Prayer, just as they did at church each year. He was going well until he offered up the words, "and forgive us our Christmases as we forgive those who Christmas against us."

We smile and laugh at moments like that, but there is much truth in that young child's mistake. Our Christmas celebrations can completely miss the peace on earth the angels declared as we clamor for more and more, reducing the season to the gifts and expense. Without time to slow down, we can miss what we need most.

There is a special blessing that comes from slowing down, looking at the Christmas lights and decorations, and pondering the real message of Christmas. Hidden in all of our hurry is the good news that God loves us and that God was willing to become like us so that we could know him more and that we could find in him, the life and peace that we so desperately need. As we pause for this Christmas meditation, we can find the the real, truly beautiful decorations of the season: love, joy, peace, hope and life.

To pass through this season without experiencing the wonder and life it brings will be much worse that the wrong present under the tree. This is God's present to us. May we receive it, celebrate it, and share it.

Reasons to Treasure

2011-12-12T10:45:00.001-05:00

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart - Luke 2:19

Mary often gets overlooked. This woman chosen by God to bear the Savior of the World and nurture him to adulthood barely gets more than a nod at Christmastime by many people. Of all the women throughout history, she is the one chosen by God to be the means by which Christ enters the world. What an amazing indicator of her availability to God and her willingness to be faithful.

There are many things we can learn from Mary, but one of the facets of her life that profoundly speaks to me and my life is this simple quote from Luke. Here, in the midst of all of the busyness around her that included crowds, a noisy stable, her new child, and shepherds declaring God's revelation to them, Mary takes it all in, holds on to these things as treasures, and ponders them in her heart. What a great message at Christmas and what a wonderful lesson for life.

The holiday season is always busy, sometimes far too busy. It is easy to get lost in the multitude of tasks and commitments that come this time of year. There is the list of family traditions that simply must be maintained, while new requirements and expectations are created. Work continues, and even includes more responsibility with year-end paperwork, planning for 2012, and more meetings and parties than any other time. In the midst of all of these activities, the other aspects of life continue. Things need repaired, bills must be paid and personal challenges still exist. All of these expectations and this activity can seem overwhelming at times.

The well-know psychologist Carl Jung once said, "Hurry is not of the devil, hurry is the devil." Profound words that speak to our lifestyle, not only at Christmas, but at all times. We fill our lives with activity and busyness, all the while edging out the time for reflection and meditation. We become so busy living our life, that we lose the time to appreciate it in the process.

Here is where we need the heart and attitude of Mary. Sometimes, we simply need to stop, take in what is happening in our life and ponder it quietly with God. Like Jesus, who would take time to go to the mountainside to pray, we need time to bring our life before God and receive God's direction for our next steps. We need the Holy Spirit to help us mine the treasures out of our daily experience so that we can see the holy treasures that surround us.

This morning, as I write this, I am facing a task that I do not want to do. I know it will take more time than I want and require a significant amount of mental and emotional energy to complete. My thoughts keep becoming caught up as I ponder the task and my desire to procrastinate. Yet, I am aware that as I actively ponder this task, I am missing numerous treasures that surround me.

Today will be what it will be, and what needs to be done, must be done, but I do not need to surrender my blessing in the process. Just as Mary found a way to hold fast to the blessing of God in the midst of her experience, I too can open my eyes to God's gifts in this moment. We all can, and that is the real beauty of our relationship with God. At any moment, we can look with God's eyes and see the treasures that surround us.

Here are just a few I am savoring this morning. Maybe, they will inspire you to find something similar in you day as well:

The sunshine flooding the room on this crisp winter day
The warmth of my home, both physically and emotionally
My family and the love we share with one another
The quietness of this moment
My friends who bring richness to my life
The coffee and bagel that nourished me this morning and tasted so good
The Scripture and words of life it spoke to me as I read it earlier
The presence of God calming my spirit and empowering me for the day ahead
The knowledge and hope that I can do all things through Christ
The joy that comes from knowing that I am a friend of God

Even as I write this list, I see more reasons to treasure this day. May you find them in your life as well and ponder them in your heart, and may the true spirit of Christmas bring life to your spirit and your busy schedule as well.

Practice Hospitality

2011-12-08T10:36:00.001-05:00

"What is the least I can do?"

It is not a question you will hear many people ask, at least not in such blunt words, but often it is the reality behind much of our motivation. With a world full of demands and desires, it is easy to look for the minimum investment required, but is that what God asks of us? Is that what God is like? There are many comments I have heard throughout my ministry about what the Lord requires of us. More frequently than I would like, or would expect, the heart of these comments are rooted in this minimalist mentality.

God, however, demonstrates a heart of extravagance toward us. We celebrate God's blessings in our life and anticipate God's provision in the future. In this divine generosity we find the example of the holy life. God blesses and cares for us, showing us great compassion so that we, having experienced these joys can share them with others. This is the heart of grace and hospitality that exemplifies the Spirit's presence within us.

Yesterday, a good friend invited us to her home for a Christmas luncheon. Her home was decorated for the season and the table was set for the guests to enjoy. She prepared appetizers and placed them around the kitchen so that we would all be able to visit as we gathered. Drinks were offered, special dishes prepared and love was shared. Her hospitality made everyone feel welcome and valued. Each piece of the celebration was an expression of love.

It was clear that much time was given to the preparation of the two hour event. All of the graciousness we experienced was the result of a lot of planning, decorating, and cooking. It was also an expression of our friend's heart, and each person was blessed as a result. Such a blessing warmed our heart toward our hostess and toward each other.

Sharing gracious hospitality is a wonderful expression of the joy of the Lord that is within us. Yes, it takes time, energy and commitment, and there are few shortcust along the way. Sure, it is extravagant, but so is the love of God whom we represent. Each act of hospitality says, "Welcome, you are loved, appreciated and valued." It is a witness that simply cannot be shared with a meager mentality.

Last night, we ended our day with a Christmas concert at the church. Every year, we invite a local men's chorus to share their gift of music with us and the community, and every year the people come to get in the spirit of Christmas. It is always a special occasion, but one of the highlights remains the reception that follows. Church members make a variety of finger foods from deviled eggs to veggie pizza for our guests to enjoy, and every year people stay and visit with us and with one another. It is a wonderful time of community and it is there that we often hear people say how welcome they feel.

We could make cookies and coffee and say, "thanks for coming," but that just doesn't have the same feel to it. When we take the time to make the little extras we are saying something about the God we serve and the people we love. Just like the Christmas luncheon we attended, it is all of the special details that share the heart of love with others. There is certainly more than making food involved in sharing Christian hospitality, but Jesus reminded us that even offering a cup of cold water in his name was great ministry, and when we offer ourselves to others in this way we share God with them.

The Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Romans, "Practice hospitality." (Romans 12:13) It is a simple command, but one with great power. When we practice hospitality, we demonstrate what God is like. It is a part of the Christian life that we need to make time for, and Christmas affords us many opportunities to practice. We serve an awesome, extravagant and gracious God. What a wonderful privilege it is to be like him as we serve others.

May your holiday season be filled with divine blessings and as you practice hospitality, may you be God's blessing to others.

Really Live

2011-12-03T08:00:00.001-05:00

I didn't complete the 50,000 words for the National Novel Writing Month challenge, but I wrote more fiction than I ever have before, and I learned a lot about novel writing, discovered some interesting plotlines, and even wrote a few good scenes. It was a great experience and I am ready to try again next year. I will be sure to start at the the beginning of November this time, however.

No, I did not make the goal, but on top of the learning that took place, I had a great time. I also enjoyed some wonderful ministry time with our church, developing some new outreach initiatives and a new Saturday evening worship service that will launch in January. I enjoyed getting ready for Thanksgiving and did some early preparation for Christmas. There was time to work with our seminary interns, care for people in need and help a family, and the church, through the loss of a dear saint. There was also time to be with my wife and kids, get our two youngest children ready to begin college, work through financial aid, and spend a lot of time holding our new grandson.

Many would assess my success by how well I achieved my goal. I am judging my success on what I learned and how I lived. It is all too easy to be caught up in accomplishments, but there is so much more than that to successful living. The process is much more valuable than meeting a goal. God created us to love and to live. We are part of the great divine plan to transform the world for good, not just by crossing finish lines and checking off "To Do's," but also by being a transforming presence along the way. Life is not just about getting there. It has a great deal more to do with the journey we took along the way.

Don't get me wrong, there is great value in goal setting, list making, and project completing. The danger is when we use only these tools to evaluate our success. A runner who finishes last, but breaks a personal best is hardly a failure. The student who scores a 70% on an exam, when that score is up from a 50% on the previous exam can certainly call that a success, even if the test makers do not. Success and failure are not so easily measured by such external tools. Sometimes, the greatest successes are hidden in the midst of amazing failures.

This season brings with it an enormous pressure to succeed in everything. We worry about our parties, our gifts and our commitments. We fear the judgement of others about our choices and abilities. We rush thought a myriad of activities to "make it a good Christmas," and miss the real meaning of the season in the process.

What really happens if someone gives you a better gift than you gave them? Is your relationship so fragile (and maybe shallow) that it would be damaged by the value or size of a gift? Does the world end if your cookies don't bake right, if the decorations fail to fully light, or if you miss a couple of holiday parties? Sure, all these things are important, but typically, not to the degree we think they are.

Several years ago, we came into December with our finances tighter than we wanted them to be. We could not see how we were going to be able to have the Christmas we were used to with our family. We prayed and talked, and we made a decision to make some difficult cuts. We talked with our children and explained that we needed to cut back, that we would not be able to travel and that we would have to postpone much of our gift giving until February or March. We shared how we believed that we should spend what we could on the holiday traditions that built our family: special foods on the Christmas buffet, time to be together, and fires in the fireplace.

The result was one of the best Christmases ever, even our children thought so. There were many homemade gifts on Christmas Day, great food, and great time together. Nothing was lost, but much was gained. The season was not a success by the standards of those who believe it is about what we get and what we can spend, but for our family, it was anything but a failure.

As you celebrate this season, and the many seasons of your life, be careful to look in the right places to determine your success. Often, what the world around us calls failure, God calls excellent, and it the latter opinion that really matters. Keep your eyes on what really matters, slow down, give yourself some grace and really live the life that you've been given.

Always Thankful

2011-11-24T11:33:00.001-05:00

Sitting here, watching the Macy Thanksgiving Day Parade, smelling the scent of our holiday dinner, and enjoying time with family, I am very aware that there is so much to be thankful for.

Too often we wait for special events to appreciate the blessings of our lives, yet every day gives us many reasons to give thanks. Even when we face pain and challenges, there are blessings in our lives, we may just need to look a little deeper.

Yesterday, one of the senior members of our congregation went to be with her Savior. As I spoke with her daughter, I was struck by the mixture of emotions. There were tears and expressions of grief, and there was laughter mingled with treasured memories. Even as we made plans, there was a sense of trust in God and the faith that sustained them this far.

A thankful spirit does not deny the reality of pain, suffering and injustice. Instead, it faces such knowledge with the awareness that there is a richness in the moment that we cannot see with just a surface glance. It is when we allow the Spirit to open our eyes to the deeper thing of our lives that we can recognize more of our blessings.

So, today, as you enjoy dinner with family; as you cook, travel and rest, let God guide you to celebrate all your blessings. Celebrate life, health and family. Rejoice in beauty, miracles and wonder. Give thanks for your blessings and the many opportunities you have to be a blessing to others. Remember those people who give of their life to make your life better, and those people of the past who gave to make today possible. Bless God for God's presence in your life, for the saving grace of Jesus Christ, and the love and power of the Holy Spirit.

As you make time to look deeply, celebrate the blessings and build upon them to make life sing. Find strength in the knowledge of what God has done and is doing in your life. Share your blessings with others and encourage one another on the way. You are blessed, loved, and special to God, and that is reason to be thankful.

Good Grace

2011-11-21T10:18:00.001-05:00

I grew up watching the Charlie Brown holiday specials. It was a bit of a ritual in the family and a sign that Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas were coming. The specials were full of memorable scenes and quotable lines. One of the Charlie Brown-isms that always stands out for me is the classic, "Good grief!"

This was his phrase for every absurd action, every difficult circumstances, and every hurtful comment, and the storyline of every special gave him many opportunities to use it. Of course, this fit Charlie Brown's character: slightly depressed, often teased, and always coming up on the short end of the stick.

I know people like that. Sometimes, I've owned that characterization in my own life. The pathway there is not hard to find or difficult to follow. Something negative happens that grabs our attention and we begin to meditate on it. Soon, we notice other negative things in our lives and in the world around us. We become disgusted, hurt and depressed, and before you know it, life becomes one large and lengthy sigh.

This is exactly where the power of thanksgiving comes in. As we begin to identify the blessings in our lives and give voice to the good things we see; as we open our eyes to the beauty and wonder that surrounds us, is within us, and is us thanks to God, we change the focus of our attention. That simple, but powerful, change opens our eyes to more blessing and beauty and begins to reshape our attitude.

Developing this attitude of gratitude is much more than rehearsing a list of positive affirmations about ourselves. Sure, there is some value to looking at in the mirror, while speaking reminders of our self-worth, but that can easily become a daily narcissistic celebration. Real thanksgiving does more than celebrate us, it celebrates what makes life valuable. It recognizes the power and presence of God, and remembers those who bring goodness into our lives. Thanksgiving affirms the gifts, big and small, that season our lives with grace. It sees what makes life meaningful and gives us the tools to make life sing.

The Bible says that we are to enter God's gates with thanksgiving. When we begin to offer thanks for life, we take the first steps in bringing our hearts closer to God. God still wants to know our hurts and our pain. God still cares about unjust parts of our lives and the world. Thanksgiving does not limit our ability to seek God's answer to evil, but it sets the attitude of our heart in the right place to see what God is doing in the midst of painful circumstances and keeps us from losing ourselves to those circumstances.

This Thursday, as we celebrate the national holiday of Thanksgiving, we will have an opportunity to “say grace.” This moment of thankfulness may be just the ticket to seeing life in a new way. Instead of defining our lives by negativity, we can find our identity in God. Rather than adopting a heart that speaks “good grief” we can embrace a spirit of “good grace.”

A chorus I remember singing in church when I was young said, "Count your many blessings, name them one by one. Count your many blessings, see what God has done.” This Thanksgiving, may you see, count and name your many blessings and may you be filled with Good Grace.

The Journey to Harvest

2011-11-17T08:00:00.001-05:00

“First the blade, then the ear, then the full corn shall appear.”

These words many of us sing around this time each year, are from the hymn, “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come.” They are also the words from Matthew 4:28. A clear reference to the agricultural process, they are certainly appropriate when we begin to think of Thanksgiving and the harvest season. As we celebrate the blessings of our lives, we can also give thanks for the process that brought us here.

One of the things that I hear in these words is: “process.” In a culture that seeks immediate results, often with little effort, it is important to remember that the order of creation demonstrates the process required to receive those results. The harvest does not just happen, not even when we wish for it very much. The harvest comes after seeds are lovingly planted, nurtured and watered. The results come after seasons of patient waiting for the crops to mature and faithful protection of those crops against a variety of natural dangers.

What makes this agrarian image such a valuable teaching is how closely it parallels the harvest of faith and righteousness in our lives. Our path toward perfection and holiness is a process. Our journey in faith is a process. Our maturity in all aspects of our lives comes as the result of a process. All that is growing in our lives requires patience, perseverance, and persistence. There is no real shortcut, and we should be thankful for this truth, for much of what really matters on our journey is the journey itself.

Many people love to travel and experience new places, but some of the best travel memories they share involve the travel time itself. Simply “getting there” is not the real goal. It is the experience of getting there, being there and coming home that holds the real value.

Education echoes the same themes. It is important to achieve key steps in the process, and moments like graduation are deeply meaningful and significant. However, much of the real leaning, along with the most valuable lessons, happen outside the classroom, and are not found directly in the curriculum. It is the places we struggle with discipline that make us stronger. It is conversations outside of class that help us to learn more than was expected. The relationships we make along the way can be a source of joy and strength for life. The process is as important, if not more important than the product.

Ultimately, it is our faith journey that can benefit most from our attention to the process. Too often we are so busy trying to “get there,” wherever there happens to be, that we miss what God is doing in and with us on the way. Frequently, when I talk with pastors who are in the process toward ordination, I hear them say things that imply that they cannot wait to be ordained so that they will be able to minister. I understand and remember those feelings, but the truth is, we all have the opportunity to minister every day, not just when we achieve a particular goal. We are all ministers of the Gospel.

Likewise, we would all like to come to the place where we have fully matured in our faith, but honestly, it will not happen, for we will always be maturing. With each new accomplishment, there will be at least one new opportunity calling us forward.

As we celebrate the harvest this year, let’s not lose sight of what it took to bring that harvest to fruition, and while we are sharing thanksgiving for all we have, let’s remember to be thankful for the process that brought us here. Then, when we look toward the future, we can celebrate our goals, but we can also celebrate the process that will take us to them, and then we can enjoy the journey as we go.

Awesome Generosity

2011-11-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

Autumn’s beauty is upon us, drawing our attention to the wonders of God in the creation that surrounds us. Trees blaze with leaves of red, orange and yellow. Skies capture our vision with drastic shifts between brilliant blues and black foreboding clouds. The smell in the air, the sounds of geese beginning to move away and busyness of birds and squirrels as they make ready for the cold winter all remind us of the beauty, wonder and blessings that God brings into our lives.

This month, our attention turns toward thankfulness and generosity. As we begin to decorate our homes, make plans with our families and bring in the stores for our harvest celebrations, we also begin to make ready our hearts to offer our thanks and praise to God. We recall the journey we took to get to where we are and the many ways God led and protected us along the way. We take inventory of our lives and celebrate the numerous divine gifts and blessings we received: life, health, family, friends, community and our salvation through Jesus Christ. We heighten our awareness to God’s great generosity and we ask the Spirit how we should respond.

Eugene Peterson, in his biblical translation “The Message,” translates the words of Luke 6:38 to read, “Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.” As we encounter the awesome, generous heart of God, what other response can there be but to be generous ourselves? As those who know the joy and wonder of being blessed, we want to see those gifts developed in the lives of those around us. Instead of focusing more on what we can “get,” we look for God’s guidance to understand how we can give.

Too often, giving is only discussed in terms of money and pledges, and we easily begin to feel that our giving is really only about what others think they can get from us, but real generosity is not only about a check or some currency. Instead, it is about a lifestyle where we seek to demonstrate the heart and attitude of God in everything we say and do. God’s loving, giving Spirit is extravagant, should ours be anything different in response?

This month, as we consider thankfulness, let us demonstrate it with more than words. Beyond a few memories and words prayed before our Thanksgiving meal, let’s take action to offer God our sacrifice of praise through acts of extravagant generosity. Our actions will speak volumes to those around us, will strengthen our spirits in the process and, most importantly, will bless the heart of God.

You are blessed by God. Be thankful! Be generous! Be extravagant!

Acts of God

2011-11-15T08:00:00.001-05:00

Last night, a band of dangerous thunderstorms moved through our area and brought with them high winds and tornados. It was a harrowing time for some people and the damage while isolated, was significant. As is typical of these times of natural destruction, the pain and destruction were deemed, "an act of God," by media and others.

It is interesting that God gets the blame for these events when, in fact, they are more directly acts of nature. It seems easy to lay the responsibility with God as if God said, "Let's send some damaging storms their way and see what happens." God ends up looking like the ancient Greek and Roman gods who often found pleasure in playing with and tormenting humanity, and nothing could be further from the truth.

In tragic situations, I frequently hear people ask, "why did God do this?" Such a question is understandable in the midst of crisis, but it betrays an underlying belief that God is directly responsible for the bad things that happen. Yes, there are biblical stories that show some natural disasters as expressions of God's judgement, but these are very specific instances. Nowhere, do we find every bad experience the result of a direct action from God. I suppose, part of this struggle comes from our understanding of God's power and direction in our lives, but these attitudes often separate God's power, direction, and judgement from God's mercy, grace, and love, and that is a serious flaw.

Yes, bad things happen, but God's creative power is at work in the darkest of moments bringing illumination. The power of the resurrection can transform our experiences of pain and suffering into something amazing and life-giving. Sometimes, bad things happen. Evil exists in the world, yet the Spirit of God is always at work in and through us to overcome evil and bring forth life from death.

Instead of naming disasters "acts of God," maybe we should begin to declare unmerited blessings and healing as those holy acts. In moments of grace, forgiveness, and hope, we see the acts of God. With expressions of love, kindness and community, we see the acts of God. In places of sacrifice, service, and salvation, we see the acts of God.

This is the great message of the Gospel, not that God is a punitive, angry deity, but that God is gracious and long-suffering, full of mercy, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love. The revelation of God is not to be found in thunderstorms and tornados, but in places of providence and protection, and in the lives of those who bring healing and love. In these places of compassion, we see the tender heart of God acting in love toward humanity.

People may never stop referring to disasters as, "acts of God," but we have the opportunity to be the body of Christ; the representatives of God, and show the world what God is really like. We can be the hands of action that show compassion. We can be the voice of peace, hope and love. We can offer the ministry of our presence that reflects the truth of God's presence with us. We can align our heart with the heart of God and, allowing the Spirit to work though us, make our actions, expressions of the real acts of God.

Opportunities are all around us. Where will we begin?

Simply World Changers

2011-11-14T08:00:00.001-05:00

Our church is currently in the midst of our annual stewardship program. This is an important part of our life together where we consider what it means to be a steward of all God gives us, and where we encourage each other to embrace more of what the Holy Spirit is asking of us. This is not about “getting people’s money,” instead; we are looking to embrace a servant’s heart and learn to use all of our resources wisely and to the glory of God.

Yesterday, one of our seminary interns preached the sermon for our Sunday Worship. It was a wonderful service and a great message that challenged us to move beyond our worry and fear and look for ways we can be servants of God in ministry to the world. At the heart of the message was this simple, yet profound question: “What do you have that can be put to use for God?”

It is a question well worth pondering by anyone working to make their heart resonate with the heart of God. God gives us so much: time and money, skills and talents, faith and spiritual gifts. Each of us is made to be a special and unique part of the body of Christ so that together, we can represent the fullness of God. If we understand that we are blessed to be a blessing, then it is important to ask why God made us the way we are and gave us what we have. Certainly, part of the answer is the joy our blessings bring to God and to us, but there is surely a place for the joy, healing and witness our blessings can bring to the world through us.

Too often, we address stewardship as if it is just another annual fund raiser to get money for the coming year’s ministry. We reduce the role of faithful stewards to check-writers for programs and events, but that is not the definition of real stewardship. Instead, stewardship is about celebrating and sharing what we receive from God so that God will be glorified and others cared for, blessed and strengthened.

So, this brings us back to the question. What do we have right now that can be put to use for God? Is it money that can be used to enable outreach in God’s name, or to be the outreach to someone in need? Is it time that can be given in the service of others, or in prayer? Is it our skill that can empower others by assisting them with challenges that restrict them or by teaching them new ways to identify and use their own God-given gifts and talents?

These are just the beginning. The list of possibilities is as endless and the creative power of God at work within us. As we enter this new week and begin preparing for the coming new year, let’s ask ourselves the question and ask the Holy Spirit to help us identify our gifts and empower us to use them in new ways. Let’s keep looking to embrace the new possibilities God presents to us, letting go of the fear of failure, or of change, and stepping boldly into the future by faith. There is real excitement ahead of us and wonderful opportunities to make a difference for God.

What do you have that can be put to use for God right now? What is God asking you to do? What might happen if you step out in faith today? Imagine, there are people waiting right now, for you to step forward in faith and be the answer to prayer. What a wonderfully awesome opportunity and responsibility. We do not have to be, or have, what someone else is, or has, to make a difference. We only need to be available to God and together, we can change the world. Let’s make the investment together and be the world changers we were meant to be.

Jump In!

2011-11-12T10:28:00.000-05:00

What would you do if you truly believed all things are possible with God?

Early this morning, while I was still up wrestling with the symptoms of a sinus infection I am fighting, I made a decision to jump into the middle of the river. No, I am not planning on literally getting wet, but figuratively, I am in up to my neck and it feels great!

Since my second year of college, I wanted to write. I would occasionally toy with the idea, read a few books and scribble a few words, then the words of high school teachers and my own inner monologue would begin to remind me of what I could not do well, and I would lose heart. I enjoyed writing my term papers, newsletter articles and for a season, wrote a regular inspirational column for our college paper, but I could not see myself as a writer.

Recently, I gave myself permission to write and to fail, but to enjoy a passion I believe God put within me. It started with some poetry, then the first pages of this blog, and this morning, I made the decision to jump into the NaNoWriMo. So everyone understands, NaNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writing Month. The goal is to write a 50,000 word novel between November 1st and November 30th, and yes, I am starting 11 days late, but I want to try.

Too often, we are afraid to take risks. Something deep within us wants to step out in faith and experience more, but our fear encourages us to settle where we are and let go of our dreams. That does not sound much like the abundant life Jesus promised and it does not reflect the heart of someone who claims the words, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Walking with God is all about taking risks and believing all things are possible.

Sure, there are numerous excuses that range from “I don’t have the talent, resources, or time” to “Why set myself up to fail, when I can succeed at what I am already doing,” but are those the words we want to listen to? Sometimes, our words sound very believable, but they lack the music of faith that stretches us to be all that we were meant to be in Christ.

When I was in one of my interviews for the ordination process, I was asked what I do to keep my mind sharpened. I told the team that I made a commitment when I finished seminary to read a book every week. My schedule was full during my education and I was able to maintain that amount of reading, so why stop when the formal training was over?

One of the interviewers suggested that since I might not make 52 books in a year, maybe I should set my goal for twelve. That way, I would always achieve my goal and I would feel better about myself. While I understood the sentiment, my response was simple: aiming for twelve and achieving it, was still not as successful or enjoyable as aiming for 52 and reading 40. It was safer, but not better.

What would you do, if you believed God is with you and you could not fail? What passion is burning deep within you waiting for you to embrace the risk and take the first step? Even if you do not make your goal, wouldn’t it be worth trying?

God made you unique and put dreams inside you. Maybe, now is the time to trust God and take the first steps toward achieving those dreams. It could be that you begin with some small actions and build momentum or, like me this morning, you may just decide to dive right into the middle of a flowing stream and enjoy the ride. What I know is that I have a smile on my face and I am having fun. I am following a dream and that brings joy. I may not finish, but I’ll still be glad I tried and now, I only have 49,210 words to go.

Whatever your dream, let me encourage you to; “Come on in! The water’s fine and it is fun! Best of all, God is here!” Be blessed as you walk by faith today.

The Power of Canceled Sin

2011-11-11T08:00:00.001-05:00

I have many favorite hymns, but one of them is definitely “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing.” The hymn always touched me but recently, it became even more meaningful.

There is a stanza in this classic hymn that includes the words, “He breaks the power of canceled sin, he sets the prisoner free.” I cannot begin to imagine how many times I sang these words throughout my life, but I remember the day they broke through my filters and I heard them with fresh ears.

In the midst of my own struggle with parts of my past, the idea that canceled sin could still have power gripped my heart. Certainly, God’s forgiveness through Jesus Christ is complete, but we can allow those forgiven sins to affect the way that we live. If we choose to perpetuate those former sins, or if we choose to live under their guilt, we will not experience the fullness of life God intended for us.

Too often, we get lost in our past and we miss what God is doing in the present to prepare us for our future. We wallow in self-condemnation, self-pity, or some other burdensome understanding of our lives, while we neglect the freedom that comes from laying such burdens on the Lord. It is a tremendous tool of the enemy to keep us bound in false chains and away from living our destiny in God.

Jesus told the woman caught in adultery, “neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.” Clearly, there was forgiveness and a call to a better way, but there is also the promise that living beyond sins of the past is truly possible, especially in light of the power of God to make it so.

While at a pastor’s prayer retreat, the leader of one of our sessions offered the following insight:

Anytime the devil brings up your past it is because…
1) He hopes you are ignorant of the truth
2) He fears your future
3) He wants to rob you of God’s best

There is powerful truth in those words. Just like the truth found in the words of the hymn reveals the power of cancelled sin to imprison us, the revelation shared at that retreat reminds us that our past is in the hands of God and through his mighty acts of salvation, we are no longer a slave to that past. We need to know the truth that we are delivered from our past, that God has a future for us, and that evil is always working to steal God’s best from our lives, but we do not have to surrender it.

If we are walking with God, it is time to lay down the heavy weight of our past and its sins. It is time to embrace the freedom and newness of life given to us by God while we walk in its joy and wonder. It is time to allow the Holy Spirit to break the power of canceled sin and set us free from our self-made prisons. It is time to live the abundant life that is already ours.

Today is a great day to leave the weight of our past behind, choose life and walk in it toward the future divinely created for us. May it be so.

Redemption Journals

2011-11-10T08:17:00.001-05:00

When I lead mission trips, one of the key tools I take with me are journals. I encourage each member of the team to keep a personal journal where they can write memories and insights then reflect upon them in prayer to see if they can sense the Holy Spirit leading them to a deeper understanding of themselves, of God and of their experience.

I also bring along two other journals for the team. The first is a group travelogue that includes morning and evening reflections and rotates through the entire group. The second is my favorite. It is a complaint journal.

On our last trip to Brazil, I described the journaling process to the team. When I came to the complaint journal, there were many puzzled faces and the obvious question, “What’s a complaint journal?”

I shared how a good friend who led the first international mission trip I participated in taught me the value of this tool. It is a place vent frustration and concerns so that they stop weighing you down in your ministry. “Who reads the Complaint Journal,” they asked, and I replied, “no one.”

The point of this journal was to give a tangible way to express inner turmoil without burdening the entire team with negativity and without trying to keep such corrosive feelings bottled up inside. Here was a place to whine about the food, the lack of hot water, and the snoring in the next bed. It was a safe place to vent feelings of helplessness and loneliness, all mixed with a little homesickness. It was a means to honestly address what we felt and thought without the destructive results other forms of expression could have.

I still keep a complaint journal. Now it is most likely found in my freewriting, as I seek to limber up my thoughts, mind and skill. Occasionally, it seeps over into my daily journal as well. Life is hard and hurtful, and it is important to have a place to address those challenges openly, to say what is really on our mind and “lay it all out” before ourselves and God. Once we do, then we can begin to seek solutions. I often use my venting as the foundation for my prayers so that I can listen for God’s answer to speak life into challenging moments.

One of the most powerful words in our faith vocabulary is “redemption.” God likes to redeem things. It is the message of our faith history and we see God’s acts of redemptions time and again throughout the biblical story, culminating in the redemption brought by Jesus Christ. It is the power of this redemption that allows us to speak wholeness and healing into places of brokenness and pain. It is the knowledge of redemption that keeps us grounded, knowing that no person or situation is too far gone for God to do something beautiful and amazing with them. It is the source of our hope, and the hope of the world.

No one needs to hear our words of frustration; they need to hear God’s words of redemption. People do not need our expressions of anger and death; they need God’s gift of peace and life. The world needs hope and God chooses to use us to give it to them. It is easy to join the masses drowning in negativity, but there is such joy in being a prophet of hope; a messenger of life though Christ.

The Gospel really is “good news!” It is not just the story of Jesus, nor is it just the promise of heaven. Instead, it is the proclamation of hope, life and peace available to all who will receive it, even now. The good news is that God is present and powerful and nothing in heaven or on earth can separate us from his great love. Redemption is real, and it is available now.

The world needs good news. The world needs the Gospel, and we have the joy and privilege of being the means by which God shares this blessing. It is a great responsibility, but also the greatest honor we will receive. We can keep the complaint journals to ourselves, but let’s write the redemption journal on the lives of others and see the true power of the Gospel.

Blame or Bless?

2011-11-09T08:02:00.001-05:00

We exercised our right to vote and now we face an even bigger responsibility: supporting our leaders and becoming a part of the solution. Our commitment to God and country reaches far beyond a day here or there when we cast an informed ballot. We are called to build community, work together for the common good and seek God’s direction on how to lift up those elected to serve and build up the place where we are planted in this season of our lives.

The Bible does challenge us to be a prophetic voice to the world, including our nation and our local communities, but it also reminds us that judgment begins with the house of God. So, we must be sure we’ve removed the log from our own eye, before we go after the splinter in someone else’s eye. We need to speak out against injustice, but nowhere are we called to complain, deride and malign others. In fact, the scriptural call is quite the opposite. We are commanded to pray for our leaders so it will go well for us in the land. We are to be the emissaries of the Kingdom who actively work to share the love, grace and peace of God in all we do. We are servants of God who with speech seasoned with grace, speak life to the world around us.

The problem is, we like to blame and complain. We want to deal with our frustrations and concerns, but frequently do so by spewing all forms of negativity and anger that only fractures an already broken society. Sometimes, we even feel like we are doing something constructive while we are actively participating in attitudes and actions that destroy.

Let’s face it, not much is required to gripe and complain about things or people. That is the common, ordinary response, but we are an uncommon and extraordinary people. We know that far beyond our elections and votes, God is weaving a master plan that leads to something amazing. We know that God is fully invested in that plan, offering himself in Jesus Christ to heal our human brokenness, grant us forgiveness of sin, and restore us to right relationship with him. We have the Holy Spirit living in us to teach us everything and empower us to accomplish all God sets before us. With such knowledge and empowerment, should we really settle for whining and complaining?

Wouldn’t it be so much more powerful if we took the biblical call to pray for our leaders seriously and did so every day, even on the days they fail or make choices we disagree with? What a witness it could be if we treated others the way we want to be treated. I know how much it hurts in my own life when people speak critically about me. I would much rather engage in dialog and work toward a common understanding. I recognize that I will never be able to please everyone, but I still want to work with those who dislike my leadership for the glory of God and the good of the world. If I want people to respect and seek to understand me, then I ought to offer the same grace to others. The same is true for everyone.

We are given so many gifts in Christ: grace, love and freedom to name a few. What an impact it could make if we shared those same gifts with others, including our leaders. So, I invite you to join me in a choice to be different, to consciously decide not to engage in petty bickering, gossip and hurtful comments; to choose to bless instead of blame and offer the same grace we would like to receive. Let’s watch our words and think carefully about what they create and who they bless, or curse.

I recently found an inspirational image on Facebook that I believe sums things up nicely. Using the acronym THINK it read:

Before you speak: THINK
T – is it True?
H – is it Helpful?
I – is it Inspiring?
N – is it Necessary?
K – is it Kind?

If it passes the test, then maybe we should speak it. If not, maybe we should just talk to God about it.

Great Grace

2011-11-08T08:00:00.001-05:00

Recently, my wife and I went out for a lunch together at a local restaurant. It was wonderful to spend some time together. What was not as wonderful was the discovery of a hair in my sandwich just as I finished eating the first half. The waitress was very understanding when I explained the situation and immediately went to get the manager. When she arrived, I could tell her defenses were up, as if she was holding a shield to protect herself from my frustration, even though I was not feeling that way. After she offered numerous apologies and the assurance that my meal was removed from the bill, I finally had an opportunity to speak. I told her, “It’s okay, mistakes happen.” She was dumbfounded for a moment, and then said, “Thank you, your understanding makes our job so much easier,” and with that her whole demeanor relaxed.

It would have been easy to spew out anger and frustration, but accidents really do happen, and the easy path is typically not the Christ-like path. Who knows how many people shared their anger with her before I arrived, or what was happening in the rest of her life. She did not need another angry customer, she needed to experience grace, love and forgiveness, just like we all do. It can be challenging to extend grace and forgiveness, but since we need it in our own lives and continue to receive it from God, shouldn’t we try to share it with others?

Jesus told a story about a man who owed his employer an excessive sum of money, an amount he could never fully repay. When he was brought before his employer he appealed for grace and in an unexpected act of love, his entire debt was forgiven. It is a wonderful expression of unmerited favor, and a beautiful illustration of God’s loving grace. If the story ended there, it would be great, but Jesus went on to tell how this man, forgiven of a great debt, received such grace only to search out a man who owed him a small sum, accosting him and demanding he repay the money immediately. His fellow workers were so disturbed by his actions they went to the employer to report what happened. The story ends with the employer calling the man “wicked” for receiving great grace and yet, being unwilling to share grace with others.

You and I receive great grace from God. We experience divine love and forgiveness, when we do not deserve it. God forgives our grand debt and then sends us forth to represent that same grace to others. It can be difficult to share, but when we recognize the great grace we receive, the difficulty seems to vanish, and we go forth to comfort others with the same comfort we received from God.
What happened in the restaurant was a small thing that required only a small sacrifice on my part. Considering the significant forgiveness I needed, and continue to need from God, it was the only reasonable response. I only wish I recognized it more frequently. Too often, I respond with my emotions, rooted deeply in a false view of what I am entitled to and a distorted sense of my importance. Like the man in Jesus’ parable, I celebrate God’s grace, only to withhold it later when it should have be freely given.

Grace really is too great a gift not to be shared. When we humbly recognize our need for grace, we can offer it to others in the same spirit and trust that God will use the moment to bless the giver as well as those who receive. With our attention turned outward, maybe we will see the “grace moments” all around us and lovingly share the amazing grace we love to sing about and receive. Then, others will have the chance to experience the gift with us.

A Good, God Thing

2011-11-04T08:11:00.000-04:00

“He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.” – Proverbs 18:22

Twenty-seven years ago, I awoke in a Pittsburgh hotel a married man. The previous day was a flurry of activity leading up to our wedding, and after celebrating with family and friends, and making time to visit a few of our relatives who could not come to the ceremony, my wife and I set off to begin our honeymoon and our new life together. We did not know all that was ahead of us, but we knew that God brought us together, that we loved each other and that we were committed to sharing the journey as one.

The days and years since have been an amazing adventure. We went to college together, traveled through the ordination process, served in ministry, became parents and now grandparents. There were times of sickness and health, times that were better and worse, and certainly lean times as well as prosperous times. Just as our vows declared, there were challenges and celebrations, but through it all, we had each other and we had God.

I know some people are called to singleness, and that sometimes relationships break, but I also know, that following God’s plan leads to the blessings that really matter. When the author of the proverb says that the one who, “finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.” I can say that it is undeniably true in my life. Looking back, I cannot imagine traveling this path without the woman God chose for me. I know that the hard times were made better because of her presence and good times were all the sweeter because they were shared with her. There is no question I receive God’s favor through my relationship with her.

Relationships can be challenging, but they are also the source of great blessing. Too often, I meet with couples who have lost sight of the blessing of God found in each other. The challenges and obstacles of life slowly drained the joy from them and instead of joining hands and hearts together; facing those challenges with love, commitment and the power of God, they allowed them to come between them. Then, wounded from without and within, the life of their relationship slowly faded. We too, have been through the valleys. We felt the pains of life, and we wounded each other, but we never completely lost sight of the blessing of God found in each other.

The places of God’s blessing are like that. They will be tested and tried, and it takes great effort to remain committed to overcome the temptation to walk, and even run away. It is easy to lose sight of how blessed we are, and in the midst of pain, we can even feel like the source of our blessing is the source of our pain. If we remain committed to God and to God’s work in our lives, and if we will keep the faith even when it is hard, we will be able to look back and see the provision and blessing of God, and we will walk into the future with greater strength and promise. When my wife counsel other couples, we tell them that marriage is a tough job, but worth all of the effort. Walking with God is like that. It is not always easy, but it is definitely worth it. The richness of my life found in my relationship with God and with my wife is worth so much more than the investment I have made. I look forward to the joy of the next 27 years together and beyond.

Take a moment to look at the blessings of God in your life, especially in your relationships. Tend to those special places, even if it is difficult. Do not let them be overcome by life’s challenges, but find strength in them to be the one who overcomes. Make the investment in your relationships, with God and in the places created for your blessing, so that you will receive favor from the Lord and be blessed.

Celebrating Saints

2011-11-02T17:32:00.001-04:00

Yesterday was All Saints Day. Admittedly, this is a day created by the church of the past to offer a more Christian focus for celebrating the transition from October to November. It never quite eclipsed the celebration of Halloween, but it did add an important day of remembrance to the church calendar.

When the Bible refers to “saints” it is clearly a reference to all Christian believers. There is no use of the word in scripture that suggests a specific person or group of people set apart within the faith community. The early church however, chose to use the word as a way of identifying those whose lives reflected the life of Christ and the best of Christian teaching. It was a way to lift up good examples of the faith so that people could know what Christian faithfulness looked like.

There is a lot of debate about how the church should embrace the theology of saints in our day, but the idea of looking for great examples of the faith is certainly a good one. As I continue to think about ways to better organize my life and make time for everything that matters, I am drawn to those people in my life whose lives demonstrate virtues, values and actions that I can replicate to make my life better.

I think of my grandfather who clearly understood that all of life was lived in connection to Jesus Christ and that even the most mundane acts could be expressions of faith. I think of a former parishioner who served as a missionary for many years and whose life reflected a profound ability to trust God even when circumstances seemed insurmountable and resources unavailable. I think of my wife who patiently offers her best in all of the details of life letting her family know they are loved by the attention to the multitude of “little things,” all the while, sharing the love and joy of her faith.

These and so many others including, my mother, family, teachers, colleagues, friends and countless other people in my life, are sources of inspiration for my Christian faith and examples for ways to face difficult challenges. They are “saints” for me, who point the way to successfully navigating the waters of life in the light of Jesus Christ. But, I am not the only one with such saints. All of us have people who, as gifts of God, bless our lives. They illustrate by practice, what God teaches us through the Word and the Spirit.

Who are your saints? What do they teach you about successful Christian living? How can their example strengthen you when you are week and direct you when you are lost? Take time to appreciate these gifts of God in your life and learn from them the lessons they have learned from God.

Give Yourself a Break

2011-11-01T11:38:00.000-04:00

“In the coming days, I will be sharing some suggestions to help encourage and empower your study.” I remember writing those words, surprisingly weeks ago. I would love to tell you that my time was filled with study; digging into great spiritual depth, but that would be a lie. In the days that followed my last post, church life, family life, even community life became amazingly busy. Significant and meaningful ministry opportunities arose, major family accomplishments were achieved and there were numerous important connections made. Time, however, was all too easily comsumed.

The experience did raise an important question, “How do we make time for study and spiritual growth while living busy, sometimes over-full lives?” There are many tools to help strengthen our study, but if we lack time, how can we put them into practice?

Too often, the responses to this concern are guilt-laden comments about our priorities and commitment; suggesting that if we were only a little more serious and willing to work a little harder, we would not be facing any struggle. The truth is, we can be seriously committed and yet remain challenged in our attempts to achieve what God put on our hearts to do.

Journeying through these past weeks, dreaming of making time for everything, I realized that many things were suffering from my frustration over my inability to fit it all in. Greatest among these were my own peace and the peace of my family. I became aware that I was increasingly defining my life by what I was accomplishing, or not accomplishing. Not only did this increase my frustration, but it is no way to steward the gift of life God gives.

As I sought God in prayer, in the moments I could carve out, the words of John 10:10 kept coming to mind, “The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy, but I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” What powerful words from Jesus. He came to give life, not consume it. It was clear that I was sacrificing his gift of being able to fully live to instead, be bound by the trappings of doing things. Instead of celebrating the beauty and wonder of each day, I was buried in my extended list of things to do.

It is true that we all have things that must be done. It is also true that there will be seasons when much will be asked of us and our schedules will be overfull. However, even in these moments, maybe especially in these moments, we must not lose sight of what it means to really live the abundant life of Christ. We may not be able to commit the time we would like to our study, but that is precisely when the study we did in other seasons can bear us up, strengthening and empowering us to find life in our lists of obligations. We will have to make choices, sometimes very difficult ones, about how we use our time, but trading the joy of life for a few tasks completed will never be the right one. Maybe, we simply need to give ourselves a break and trust God.

Wherever you are today, remember you are not alone. God is with you. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. You have purpose and destiny and more ability than you know. You may not have the time for study and action you originally hoped for, but you have the Holy Spirit who will, as Jesus said, “remind you of all that I [Jesus] said to you and teach you everything,” and who will give you all the power you need.

Let's Begin Again

2011-10-28T23:21:00.000-04:00

It was a challenging month. Work responsibilities and some family concerns consumed an inordinate amount of time, and I confess my exhaustion left me somewhat uninspired.

That, however, was the past and it is time for a new beginning. On November 1st, my regular posting will resume. I look forward to sharing the journey together with you and thank you for your patient understanding.

A hint: I learned a few things about finding rhythm which I look forward to sharing.

Blessings,
Chuck

Study

2011-09-29T13:49:00.001-04:00

"I don't want to study!"

I've lost count of how many times I've heard those words, and how many times I said them. There are times when all of us would rather not expend the metal effort to take in more information. Sometimes we feel too tired or maybe the material does not excite us, but whatever the reason, we don't feel like learning any more.

Most of us can relate to feeling little or no motivation to study, but there is a deeper challenge when it comes to living our faith that threatens to leave us unprepared for the work of ministry and the challenges of life that we will experience. That challenge is not the lack of motivation, but the lack of desire. When we move beyond "I don't feel like it" to "I don't want to" the situation is much more serious, and when the subject is our faith journey the impact can be devastating. That may sound dramatic, but when it comes to living and sharing the Christian life, the results of our choices have eternal significance.

The Apostle Paul told his younger protege, Timothy, "Study to show yourself approved." (2 Timothy 2:15) There is a real need for Christians to invest time and themselves in the work of study for the sake of their faith journey and their impact with the Gospel. It is true,that many modern translations of this verse replace the word "study" with "discipline yourself" but a necessary part of that discipline is renewing the mind and spirit through study.

Too many times as a pastor, I hear people say, "Just tell me what to believe (or do)." The implication is that they would rather blindly follow someone else's direction than do the hard work themselves, yet that is exactly what they need. More than a simple answer or a personal direction from the pastor, the real knowledge lies in allowing the Spirit to use their studious efforts mingled with divine revelation. Pastoral insight may be a part of that process, but there is so much more. I once has a door hanger that read, "I trust in the Lord, but I still have to study." The quote is cute, but full of truth for all of us.

Our faith is surely more than academic, but it still requires our study. No sermon or teaching will replace time spent reading the Word of God, engaging the reflections of the community of faith over several millennia, and gaining the insights of the knowledge and wisdom of others. John Wesley, the founder of the Wesleyan denominations (including my own, the United Methodist Church) exemplified a model that engaged Scripture, tradition, experience and reason. We need to incorporate all four, and we need to do the work, not wait for someone else to do it for us.

We want to offer God our very best and that includes the mind and intelligence we were blessed with. Our study need not be laborious, but it must not be avoided.

In the coming days, I will be sharing some suggestions to help encourage and empower your study. For now, however, it is enough to encourage us all to take Paul's advice and study so that we can show ourselves to be those approved.

Be blessed in this day and in your study. May God's divine revelation multiply your efforts.

Hidden Beauty

2011-09-26T08:00:00.002-04:00

Sometimes real beauty can only be discovered by adversity. When we go through the fire, common things are refined into something uncommon. Challenge and pain can uncover hidden virtues, passions, and possibilities.

Watching nature transition from the luscious life of summer to the vibrant beauty of autumn, it is hard to miss that a deeper beauty is revealed in the process of letting go. As the nourishing light begins to diminish, trees struggle to keep their foliage, but even as they lose the battle again, a palate of colors is revealed. Each day loses more sunlight, but that light becomes more dramatic at the same time. Even the composting leaves and grass become richness for the future.

Too often, as we face obstacles in our lives we lose sight of what is on the other side of the challenge. Lost in the drama of the moment, we miss what beautiful thing is being created in us. The test we face is producing a testimony that will bring light to dark spaces and color the gray places.

I do not believe that God causes evil in our lives, but from the painful moments, God can create something wonderful. During an especially difficult time in my life, I shared my challenges with a dear friend. As I poured out the issues before me, he replied, “Just remember, God does his best work in chaos.”

What a wonderful truth. The biblical story even begins there, as the Spirit hovers over the chaos and God says, “Let there be.” In a moment, at the word of God, the disorder begins to take on the order and the beauty of creation. As the story goes on, we find places where Israel’s chaotic experience becomes the setting for God’s recreation. We read of people, great and small, who God leads out of their challenges to new beginnings. Even in the death and resurrection of Jesus we see God redeeming darkness and death to bring forth light and life, and the promise of his future return is the expectation of the ultimate re-creation.

The difficult places of life are never enjoyable and they can feel like they have no end, but God, who declares the end from the beginning, not only sees where our challenges are taking us, but is personally invested in seeing that we get there. When things get tough, it is easy to throw our hands up, sit down and give up, but that is precisely the time when we need to press into God, draw strength from the Spirit and push through the dark valley to the hidden beauty beyond.

Whatever you are facing today, God is more than big enough, more than able to redeem it by using the tough moments to reveal the hidden beauty within you. Have patience. Have hope. The God of all creation is with you, loves you and is speaking words of creation over your life even now.

Why? (Where's the Love Part 2)

2011-09-23T08:00:00.001-04:00

Writing yesterday’s post was troubling. Not only because the subject matter was painful, but because the issue of hatred and bullying is so overwhelming. I could not help but feel there was more to consider.

Whenever one of these tragedies occurs, there is a sudden outburst of emotion by people troubled by horror of what happened, accompanied by reflections on how we can stop or prevent bullying. It is good this conversation comes to the forefront, and it is a shame that it takes a tragedy for that to happen. Sadly, all too often the passion and concern is short-lived and things slowly go back to the way they were, hidden.

While many questions are being asked about what causes bullying and how it can be stopped, I have one other question that often seems to go unspoken, “Why?” You may say, everyone is asking the why question, isn’t that the heart of the whole discussion, wanting to know why this happened? That is true, but the question I am pondering is, “why did a precious young man feel that the only solution to these attacks was to take his life?”

Please understand, I am not pointing out a fault in him. I am pointing out a fault in us. Where are we failing our children as a community that the harsh words of some peers can destroy their sense of value? Where are we letting down those who need our strength and encouragement so that they can stand strong in the face of their adversaries? This problem is not just about some narrow-minded students who said mean things to a classmate; it is a problem of which we are all a part. Our actions, or failure to act, leave people vulnerable to greater pain.

None of us likes to feel complicit when evil occurs, and it is true that most of us were not directly involved in the events that led up to this most recent expression. But ask yourself:

Do you speak evil?
Have the hurtful words spoken to someone else ever been yours?
Have you criticized someone?
Have you sown those critical seeds behind their back?
Do you take every opportunity to build others up?
Do you make time to encourage those who are hurting, or those who are difficult?
Is your life an example of love to the world around you?

These are hard questions, often ones we would like to avoid but, like pebbles in a pond, our choices create ripples that affect others, even people we do not know. Every action counts. The seeds of love, hope and encouragement we plant will touch lives just as surely as the hurtful comments of others will, but the result will be very different. As disciples of Christ, we know nothing and no one is hopeless. The very revelation of God is just the opposite. There is always hope and no one should ever face the evil of the world without that knowledge.

Sharing hope involves more than saying, “Oh, by the way, there is always hope.” It is a truth that needs to be demonstrated, lived out before the entire world. We declare by what we say and do that there is always something worth living for, even when it is hard to see. We proclaim that in spite of the negative, hurtful things some people say, each person is a beloved creation of God, supported by God and those who represent God. As a community of people we can care for one another in ways that give strength and hope; we can make a difference.

In the end, it is not about blame, but about opportunity. We have an opportunity not to feel emotion for a short season and then forget. We have an opportunity to change our words and actions into examples that change the world. We have the opportunity to care, to love, to encourage and give hope. We have the opportunity to speak and offer life. Let’s not miss the opportunity to make a real difference.

We can make a difference, a lasting difference. Will you join me in making our corner of the world, and ultimately the whole world, a different place? The change can start today.