Wesley's Horse

We Have a Change in Plans

2012-01-21T09:50:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had a change in plans? As I have heard often, 'you want to hear God laugh? Show Him your plans.' Change has been about the only unchanging part of my life! I changed my major in college. That is not unusual. God had called me to preach, and I changed in response to His call. I have changed locations a few times, I have changed clothes, opinions, and sizes. All of us at one time or another have wondered, what is with all of this change in my life. Change fatigue seems to have infected most folks, as if it were a virulent strand of the flu. I have been doing some thinking lately about the many folks in the Bible who experienced times of change. Abraham left the familiar for the unfamiliar because He heard the voice of God. Moses changed from caring for the sheep of his father-in-law, to leading a rather large and at times unruly crowd. Simon Peter changed from a fisherman to shepherd of the Lord's sheep.

Of course some change is wonderful and exciting. I am wanting us to consider what happens when your plan is changed by God. I am meaning something you had your heart set on, you really believed God was in, and now it is nothing short of a broken dream?
In the sixteenth chapter of Acts, Paul and Silas thought they were following the way God wanted them to go, when they received the message to come over to Macedonia. They were confident it was God's will and they changed direction. In a short while they would be put into prison.
What do you do when you follow the Lord and it does not work out as planned? Paul and Silas give some insight: Pray, Sing, Praise. It is still the formula today. Nothing started to shake and change until they prayed until God gave them a song. I believe this is a definition of praying through. Pray until God gives you a song. Because they were in prison, a jailer, his family and the prisoners experienced the power of God.
Whatever our plans, they must always be placed in God's Hands, He knows what He is doing! He places us strategically where He can work through us.
Though at the first the change that Paul and Silas experienced did not seem to pleasant, it turned out to be a divine moment. God can use my praise, my pain, my problems, my perception, my past and yes my plans, for His glory. God's plan will always be better than my plan.

I am all for plan B, if it God's plan. God has you today right where He can use you.

It is a New Day

2012-01-07T14:53:00.000-08:00

We all seem to enjoy the word 'new'. Think of the way(s) we use it: New attitude, new career, a new year, and of course a new you.
You have heard it said that yesterday ended last night, and today is a new day. How do you face a new day, or a new challenge? Imagine the challenge that Joshua faced when he heard from the Lord.."Now Moses my servant is dead?" What do you do when a saint, a legend is gone? Do you just give up? Do you try to muddle through? Things happen, nothing stays the same, change is in fact a reality. Moses had been the leader for a long time. Leaders come and go, God stays the same. The reality is, a new day calls for a new leader.
I wonder if Joshua felt up to the task? Do you think he felt ready for the challenges ahead? It is not just leaders who feel jitters, it is felt by all of us. Not just preachers, but parents, painters, plumbers, poets, and people everywhere have felt ill-prepared for the job at hand.
God promises that just as he was with Moses He would be with Joshua. Whatever you are facing today. Your strength comes from God. He will lead you and help you in the path that is laid out before you.
God tells Joshua not to be afraid. We have many moments of fear. How can I do this? will I make it through this? The future seems frightful when we think of our resources. This year focus on God and His unlimited resources! When we focus our own limited and finite resources we become quite discouraged.
God tells Joshua to listen to and obey the word. We should saturate our hearts and minds with the word of God.
Remember fear is what keeps us from starting, and discouragement keeps us from continuing. The word of God and His presence will help us to remain calm and will also keep us from getting discouraged.

What new territory does God have for you this year? What new thing is He desiring to do through you? When we walk with Him, He leads us to trust Him and lean on Him.

You can make it with God!

New Year Perspective

2011-12-28T07:09:00.000-08:00

Well 2011 is in its final hours. 2012 is on the horizon. Many are concerned as we move into this new year. It is a leap year, so we get one extra day. News stories are already appearing regarding the end of the world as we know it. The Mayan calendar and other signs point to this being the last year. I am an old enough to remember the Late Great Planet Earth and the promise that I would be in heaven before I got the opportunity to attend college. Let me say that I believe that Jesus is coming back again. I too, can see that the world is a mess. Let me add my two cents worth. Should we not concentrate on doing all we can to make a difference? Shouldn't we trust God? Shouldn't we seek to be salt and light? Shouldn't we be people of the 'cup of water in His name' crowd?

In preparing for this post, I read some of the doomsday scenarios laid out by folks. Talk about a discouraging read! These articles are filled with tsunamis, cyclones, planets crashing, fire coming from the center of the earth, and that was just a start. Calamity and crisis evidently are big sellers. Holiness and Christ likeness, not so much. The sky is falling seems to be easier to say than "Believe in God believe also in me"

I am not giving in to my basic optimistic nature, I am well aware of Jesus saying "In this world you will have trouble." I am likewise aware of his words "but, I have overcome the world."

This could be the year that everything as we know it comes to an end. I also said this last year and the year before... Do Christians seem to be more susceptible to fear, and self-preservation than the general population? I don't know the answer but I love raising the question.

I believe in being prepared, spiritually, and all other ways as well. But I am going to refuse to live a fear-based life. I want to live a faith-based life. Worrying is not going to solve problems. Rugged faith and trust will keep us steady.

What should we do while entering a New Year?

I am glad that you asked!!!

Trust God
Love people
Serve the poor
Pray expectantly
Pray constantly
Love our neighbors
Pray for revival
Pray for peace
Serve others
Give generously
Adjust our attitudes
Love unconditionally
Witness boldly
Be a servant
Make a difference
Embrace change
Hug everyone (well at least the ones who want a hug)
Embrace justice
Embrace mercy
Embrace hope
Be Kind
Be considerate
Praise God
Help others
Hold things loosely
Listen intently
Fear Not
Dream boldly
Take action
Listen to the District Superintendent (okay, okay I know, but I had to add one selfish one)

These are a few of my New Year's resolutions. May the Peace of Christ reign in your hearts and lives and you seek to make a difference for God in 2012

Happiest of New Years to You and Your family

A Week Between

2011-12-26T07:01:00.000-08:00

Most of us are waking up this morning trying to get ourselves ready for a week of transition. We are trying to keep track of our gifts. Lets see...we have a keep pile, a return pile, and a let's put this in the back of the closet pile. We are getting ready to move around and go to the store, you know with the return pile. Things that are either too small, too large, or too, well you know just too...special! Some of the family are compiling dishes of leftover hash and stew. We are trying to remember what day it is, as everyday for the last few days has felt like Saturday. Some will be loading up cars for the return trip home. Some are going back to work, and some are trying to remember where they work. We are thinking about taking a walk, reading a book, we are, as they say, in transition.

Transition from Christmas festivities to New Year promises and reality. We have a few days off work and out of school to reflect. Reflect, you know the time of year when we promise ourselves that next year will be different, better, and more fulfilling. It is the time of year in which we are thankful for family, and yet can't wait to get back home. This is the time of year when we are both grateful, and yet rueful. Wondering about all the 'what-ifs, and why-fors?' This is a week of transition from the traditions of family celebrations, candle-lit church services and sacred and long practiced traditions of family and faith. Now we are moving toward the unknown, a New Year. Late December and early January are times to look backward and forward. Take a moment and reflect on 2011. For me it has been a year like no other. January opened with a major Church problem. A year ago, I wondered if I or the congregation would make it through the ordeal. I can now look back through the lens of time and see that God worked it out better than I could have imagined. The Church leadership rose to the occasion, and I will never forget their faithfulness. Our District Superintendent could not have been more helpful and supportive. Yet the my highest accolades go to the congregation of the Detroit First Church of the Nazarene. They rallied and have to this day inspired me with their Christ-like compassion and commitment. The church did not just weather a storm. The church has come through with it's ministry and integrity shining brightly. That is something I will never forget. On the last day of February my sister died unexpectedly. I was once again reminded of the sacredness of life. To live each day to the fullest, and to take nothing for granted.

On August 1, I was elected District Superintendent of the Indianapolis District Church of the Nazarene. Can I just say this has been a year of transitions!

That is a brief look back, be sure and take the time to do the same. Now, a look ahead. I have no idea what the new year holds for me or anyone else. I am sure there will need to be course corrections, and that I will experience reverses and blessings. It is always that way. Christ has promised to guide and lead me, and to that promise I cling. This year I want to be a "learner," I want to know Christ better and in deeper ways. I want to be an 'encourager,' for I have felt the difference a word of encouragement has made in my own life. I want to be 'kinder,' there is too much harshness in the world today. I want to be a better leader, and seek to be constantly adjusting and learning. I want to take time for that which is important, Faith, Family and Friends.

Well, this may be the most important week of our lives. We should take time to reflect on a years of blessings and trials and grace. We should also take time to prepare for a New Year of blessings and trials and grace. Mostly we should take time to Praise God from whom all blessings flow...

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T08:30:00.000-08:00

Is it just me or does it seem that Christmas was just here a couple of months ago? I read somewhere that Christmas does 'seem' to come faster the older you get, after all I have been alive for over 50 Christmas seasons, whereas a child has only experienced 8 or 9 Christmas seasons.

This morning I arose from my bed in Northville, Michigan and there was light dusting of snow, no more than a 1/2 inch of the white stuff. For those who wanted a White Christmas your wish has been granted, for those who did not want a White Christmas, your wish has been granted as well. From the outlook of my front window the sun is melting much of the snow.

What do remember about Christmas? The gifts, the parties, the pageants, or the family gatherings? It can mean a lot of things, but I want to remember that God came to earth, and things have never been the same!

The world is a cold, mean and lonely place. Yet Advent means that God loved and still loves us so much that He stepped down into this mean, cold and lonely place to show His great love for us. Advent reminds me that no matter how dark it is in this world, the Light of the World has come, and in spite of the best efforts of many a despot, His Light Still Shines!!!!

He came into a world in which there was no room for him in Bethlehem that night long ago. He said to His disciples, in my Father's house there is plenty of room for you. In a world where at times we feel crowded out and left on the sidelines, Jesus is preparing a place for us, He always Has room for us!

When He came, Caesar was the most famous person in the world, today the Christ child is known on every continent and island of the sea. He has inspired poetry and songs, and Has impacted the way we order our calendars. Yet He saves His best work for us, for the change He works in transforming lost causes into Hope filled disciples is simply and unbelievably amazing.

Merry Christmas, gather your family and friends close to you and be of good cheer. Remember it truly is the most wonderful time of the year. Please don't forget the one who Angels sing, and shepherds see, and all the redeemed still sing His praises. Merry Christmas, and Happy Birthday Jesus, I am so glad you came!

Do not despise the small things!

2011-12-19T18:57:00.000-08:00

The prophet Zechariah talked about "despising a day of small things" (4:10)

It was in a small town, Bethlehem where He was born. He came as a baby, you can't get any smaller. No big announcement to Kings, priests, or politicians. Just some shepherds on the hillside. They represented the outcast class of the day. So from a small out of the way town, a small baby, from a fairly insignificant place, is the Messiah. He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and yet his coming seems obscure and small. We can make sense of it from the Christmas story, yet do we not still in our day despise little things? Little things like children, and character, and leadership, and even manners! We are in love with the big, bold and audacious. I must admit I like big and bold, and lofty and large goals, and big plans and enormous amounts of energy and planning. Okay so I admit it, how about you? Do you ever miss the small by wading through the forest of big?

My family came to the Lord in a small town, Paulding, Ohio in the early part of the last century. Nazarene evangelists led my great grandmother and her sisters and their families to faith in Christ. What if the evangelist had decided that Paulding was too small and not worth their time? What if they had Cincinnati, Dayton, Toledo and Cleveland in their sights? Don't get me wrong I am glad the gospel has been taken to large cities, I am really glad that some Nazarene preachers did not despise small towns.
My first two churches would qualify as small. They were small statistically when we started, but the people made a big impact on our lives. It was in those places that I learned lessons that have had an impact on my life to this day. I learned that praying and preparing messages and trusting God can be life-changing for both the sheep and the shepherd. I learned that if you love people 98% will love you back. I learned that if you sow small seeds, the Holy Spirit will allow you to reap a harvest.

The thing about small places is that most will not notice. You work and pray and love God and on the surface it seems there is little to show for the effort. That is a mistake, God is always doing more beneath the surface than we can see with our human vision. Many, many have come to Christ through the ministry of smaller churches and even smaller towns.

This past Sunday I was in a worship service in Madison Indiana, a small town located on the Ohio River. Our church facility there is very nice. A young pastor and his wife Scott and Dawn Casto are serving in Madison, it is their first lead pastor assignment. On Sunday morning there was no live music. It was as the detractors say "canned". I sat on the front row as the pastor led us in a couple of choruses, and two beautiful carols "O Come All Ye Faithful" and "Hark the Herald Angels Sing". The instruments and the voices of electronically invited musicians were powerful and I noticed that all in the building sang heartily. It impacted me more than I can express. I was ushered into the presence of the King. The pastor prayed and received an offering, I especially enjoyed the greeting time. If you have never been to greeting time in a small church, you don't know what you have missed. Everyone greets everyone, it is like a law. I noticed that the people genuinely cared for one another, I mean they really cared. When it came time for me to preach, the people encouraged me by their responses. At the conclusion of the message, the people continued to respond to the move of the Holy Spirit. It was an uplifting and inspirational worship service.

After the service I met with the church board, again the unity was in evidence. Then we did what every small church does better than all the mega-churches in the world. A pot luck, pitch-in, old fashioned Indiana/Hoosier Christmas dinner. Again, the people were friendly and welcoming.

What are you saying Blake? Every church should be small? No, I am saying that in our desire to reach people, remember there is a place for everyone. In honor of the Christ who came as a baby, let us not be guilty in our day of despising little things.

Be encouraged and Have a Very Merry Christmas

Mamas Don't let your sons grow up to be "Shepherds"

2011-12-12T20:00:00.000-08:00

We are told that the birth of Christ is announced by the Angels to shepherds. I believe if I were in charge of announcing the birth of the messiah, I would have gone to the palace of the king. I would have gone to the temple and made sure that the religious leaders knew. I would have gone to the halls of learning and made sure that the thinkers and philosophers were informed. I would have made sure that the 'movers and shakers' were notified. But God wanted to make sure that everyone knew the message was "Good News of Great Joy For ALL THE PEOPLE!!!

Perhaps no group in the culture of Christ's day better represented that everyone is valuable more than shepherds did. Though their work was indispensable, because they were on the 'job' 24/7 they were unable to participate in religious services. Thus they were ceremonially unclean. Shepherds were not allowed to give testimony in court, they were considered unreliable. They were social outcasts. They worked with smelly sheep, and most thought like sheep, like shepherd. A popular song at the time was "Mama don't let your babies grow up to be shepherds."

Good News came to people who had not heard much good news. The gospel is for all, it makes no difference who you are or where you have come from. The Gospel is indeed Good News for everyone. No exclusions, no exceptions, and no excuses.

After the shepherds heard the message from the angels, they did for shepherds a very unusual thing. They decided to leave the Sheep and go and find the Lamb of God. They did something that everyone needs to do concerning Jesus, go and see for yourself, go check it out yourself! After the shepherds saw the Christ child, they went out and spread the news.

You can learn something from everyone, even shepherds, they have taught us that once you find Christ, you just cannot keep it to yourself.
Have yourself a Merry little Christmas

Let Me Give You Some Good News

2011-12-12T04:12:00.000-08:00

Heard any good news lately? Well let me tell you and old story that is still up-to-date.

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Luke 2

New International Version (NIV)

Luke 2

The Birth of Jesus

¹ In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. ² (This was the first census that took place while^[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) ³ And everyone went to their own town to register. ⁴ So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. ⁵ He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. ⁶ While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, ⁷ and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
⁸ And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹ An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
¹³ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
¹⁵ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
¹⁶ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.¹⁷ When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, ¹⁸ and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. ¹⁹ But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰ The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Every time that I hear the Christmas story from Luke 2, I hear Linus reciting it from the King James Version at the Christmas program from a Charlie Brown's Christmas.

The angels who are God's messenger certainly knew their purpose: it was to praise God and bring His message to others. They appeared to a group of Shepherds on a hill and told them that they were bringing them 'good news of great joy that would be for all the people.' In a world filled with bad news it is nice to hear some good news. We are about due for some good news for a change. The best news that the world has ever heard is the news that 'Jesus saves' The bad news is that we are lost, the good news is that we can be found. Our greatest need is for a Savior. The angels also reminded them that it was good news of great joy. Somewhere along the line Christianity become associated with long faces and black clothes and a joyless living. Jesus is the joy-bringer. When He transforms us, he gives a joy deep down in our soul. We can have the joy of Jesus even when our circumstances are less than desirable. Do you have the joy of Jesus in your heart today?

The angels also said that the 'good news of great joy' is for all the people! Not just some not just a select few. Not just a handful, but it is for all the people. All people! No one has to be excluded.
Christmas is a lot of things, but remember ultimately it is Good News! Great Joy!! And it is for all people!!!

Let's celebrate!!!!

We Gather Together!

2011-11-19T16:29:00.000-08:00

Thanks Giving! It is the convergence of several important items! Family, time-off, food, parades, football and more food! It is a holiday that we can all get behind and celebrate wholeheartedly. As Christians we have been told repeatedly in the Bible to "Give Thanks". Thanksgiving and gratitude are to be the core values of believers. Of all people, we should be at the front of the line in the area of Gratitude and thankfulness. We are thankful for God's grace and mercy. We are grateful for Salvation, Sanctification and the fullness of the Spirit. For blessings too many to number, we offer up thankfulness with hearts overflowing with praise.

At the table we also remember how grateful we are for the providence of God that has blessed our nation. Families will gather from far and near to be with the people we love and we will enjoy the tradition of eating a meal together. There is something that happens when we eat together that no amount of emails and texts and phone calls can ever replace. Face to face time with loved ones and food and laughter it all adds up to a wonderful and memorable time.

As we gather together we must remember those who are not able to be with their families: soldiers, police officers, nurses and hospital personnel, to name a few. Then there are those who are estranged from their families. The lonely and isolated who will be by themselves, some by their choice and some through no choice of their own. Maybe we each need to create space for those who otherwise would be alone. If your family is not able to be with you, create a new "Thanksgiving" family and together you can offer thanks for God's presence.

Thanksgiving should be more than one day a year. It should be the disposition of our heart. Thanksgiving should be constantly the attitude that comes from our heart, and flows off of our lips.

Happy Thanksgiving! Praise God from Who All Blessings Flow!

Road Work Ahead!

2011-10-18T19:09:00.000-07:00

In recent days I have become much more aware of the roads/highways/byways/alleys/ and even a cul-de-sac or two. I have traversed interstate highways, state highways, county roads, rural routes and city streets. I have been become quite familiar with orange barrels and "slow down or we are going to fine you so much money that you will not be able to even pay attention when we get done with you!" I have sat on an interstate highway as three lanes became one and we moved slower than an arthritic tortoise. I have gone to places that my "gps" has not even located as of yet.

Why is there so much road construction? Because things fall apart and things deteriorate. Highways must be maintained. Since driving is a part of my regular routine as of now, I am dependent on the highway system. In order to get to where I need to be, I need them to be in operating order. The nature of life is like that as well. Nothing stays the same. We are either progressing or regressing. Rarely, if ever do we stay the same. Even the Spirit-filled life is one of movement and progress. It is hard to see movement and progress stuck in construction delays. If the roads were not worked on they would eventually be totally destroyed.

I am worried about Christians who continually run hard and never take time to slow down and "be still" and spend time with the Lord. Sometime my soul needs patched! Sometime my attitude needs resurfacing.

My spirit needs to be widened by the grace and mercy of the Lord.

Perhaps we need to see a sign over everyone we come in contact with: "Life under construction" Be reading to brake and show some kindness.

Just a thought traveling down the road of life. As one sign says, "Give'em a brake"

A New Chapter

2011-10-15T18:43:00.000-07:00

On Sunday September 11th, my tenure as Sr. Pastor at Detroit First Church of the Nazarene came to an end. I served there for 8 years. I have now entered a new phase, new season, a new chapter. I am now a District Superintendent. I have known of District Superintendents and I have known some as well. Since my new assignment, I have preached at five churches, I have met with church boards on four occasions, I have met with 15 different individuals. I have talked on the phone with many more. I have attended a Children's Bible Quiz. I spoke at my own installation, and tomorrow attend a church celebrating an anniversary. I have enjoyed the three weeks of service. But as Dorothy said to "Toto" upon arrival in Oz: 'I don't think we are in Kansas anymore.'

I am back in the land of my birth, in a community where I pastored several years ago. Today, I had an experience that brought back a lifetime of positive memories. I attended a children's Quiz meet. I was a Bible Quizzer. I had an opportunity to address the group. I told them that being a quizzer has stayed with me for a life time. The books of the Bible that I know the best to this day are the books that I studied during my quizzing days. I went to college and seminary and have pastored for 30 years, yet the books of the Bible that I know the best are the ones that I learned through quizzing. Why is that? By quizzing I learned to hide the Word in my heart and mind. It took root in my life and heart. As I listened to the quiz master read the questions from Matthew, my mind transported across the years and I realized how fortunate I have been.

Today, I was reminded as a Christian no matter what position we hold or fill, the most important thing we can do is to point people to the Savior and get them grounded in the Word.

So, you see the new chapter for me has been filled with old memories. We get our children involved in so many wonderful activities, but I would recommend you get your children involved in Bible Quizzing. It is something that will last with them for a lifetime.

Storm Watchers!

2011-10-07T05:45:00.000-07:00

Storms. They are a part of life. At times there are warnings, other times they are quite unexpected. Storms in the Bible represent problems. Just as storms are a part of life, so are problems. If storms are a part of life, as are problems, then why do they make us so uncomfortable? Could it be that they are powerful and we exert no control over them? Could it be that storms remind us that there is much in our lives over which we have no control. Storms are necessary, we need rain and the world needs both sunshine and rain. Our spiritual lives, likewise need both sunshine and rain. We need both the warmth of a summer day, as well as the life sustaining spring rains.
Jesus told the folks listening to the sermon on the mount, to be careful how they build their lives. Everything depends on the foundation. Jesus said the wise man built his house on the rock, on the firm foundation. The foolish man wanting to cut corners built his house on the sand. When the rains came, Jesus said, not if the storms come, but when they come your going to find what kind of a foundation you have built upon. Rain and storms come, they come to all of us. Trials and problems come to all. No one is exempt. We tend to think that problems are abnormal. Some how we are being picked on, and no one else is going through trials. We feel we are being treated unfairly.
There is a new product, or at least it is new to me, it is called a thunder shirt. If your dog is afraid of storms place this around the dog and he will not be afraid of the storm. Somehow because the thunder jacket wraps around the dog, the dog feels safe and secure. The Thunder Shirt helps with anxiety. We have something better than an outside device, we have the inner presence of the Holy Spirit. God wraps us in His love and we can be secure as we sail with the power of the Spirit through any storm. Jesus is our answer to anxiety. He loves you and is interested in you. He has not forgotten about you. He loves you! There will always be storms, but the good news is: There is Always A Savior!

Early In The Morning

2011-09-25T03:30:00.000-07:00

Early in the morning. For some these are very sweet words, for others not so much. One lady told me that in regard to getting up early:"She would just as soon go on to heaven, as to have to get up early." Some are by nature 'night owls' while the rhythm for others is to arise before the sun. The purpose of this is not to extol the virtues of arising before the sun. Rather, my intent is remind, especially myself that each day is a new day. The Bible and the hymn writer states:

²² Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
   for his compassions never fail.
²³ They are new every morning;
   great is your faithfulness.
²⁴ I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion;
   therefore I will wait for him.”

The newness of the day, not the hour you stop sleeping is what matters. As soon as you start a new day, remember 'His compassions never fail!'

Many days end with the feeling of discouragement and failure. We can become quite discouraged with our present circumstances. He is a compassionate God, and each day brings new grace, peace and compassion. Have you failed? Welcome to the company of the human. Are you discouraged? Welcome to the club called 'children of Adam.'

New, what a word. It is the promise of new grace, new starts, new discoveries, new possibilities and new opportunities. New means different, fresh, and today. Tomorrow is over it ended at midnight! New means right now, which is good, being that it is all the time that I have. New means forgetting what lies behind, I press on toward the mark... New means I don't have to be enslaved to the past.

I am all about new right now. After serving the Lord for 30 years as a pastor (with a three year stint at our denominational ministry center) I am entering a new area of ministry. I had almost forgotten what 'new' felt like. While extolling all of the positive attributes of new, I must mention some other feelings that attend the new. Feelings such as, apprehension, fear and discomfort.

God allows each new day to stretch us, to remind us of our dependence upon him.

A new day brings new opportunities to trust in Him.

A new day reminds us to thank God for the grace and blessings of yesterday, and move ahead confidently knowing that He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.

How Do I love you? Let Me count the Ways

2011-09-08T14:09:00.000-07:00

This Sunday will be 2,917th Day as Pastor of Detroit First Church of the Nazarene. I will preach on Sunday morning (9:15 & 11:00) almost 8 years to the day that I preached my first sermon! 8 years have gone by quickly. Susanne and I will embark on a new journey. We will be Superintending the Indianapolis District Church of the Nazarene.

Actions speak louder than words we are told. Susanne and I have been told by each congregation that we served that they loved us, but no one as demonstrated their love by action more than the DFC family!

Never, please ever forget DFC family that Susanne and I love you. We are not angry or upset or even tired of you. God has called us to a new place of service. When I answered His call many years ago, I discovered that His leading would take us to places we could not have imagined. You have loved us and taken care of us in such wonderful and in so many ways. I am not sure all that I should say as we make this transition, but I would be amiss if I did not say "I love you." Let me count some of the ways:

1 I love you for being people who practice Biblical hospitality.
2 I love you because you are always ready to help and encourage.
3 I love you because we shared sacred moments together.
4 I love you because you are dispensers of God's grace. You have graced me often.
5 I love you because for eight years you have allowed me to exercise and fulfill my call to ministry.
6 I love you just as you are, because that is how you have loved Susanne and me.
7 I love you for being Jesus to me.
8 I love you for allowing me to be myself, and you allowed me to grow and stretch.
9 I love you because of the good times.
10 I love you because of the bad times.
11 I love you because you have always been true blue, loyal and helpful.
12 I love you because you have mostly laughed at my odd sense of humor.
13 I love you for enduring my preaching, that sometimes seemed more like hectoring.
14 I love you because you are so faithful to the Lord and the church.
15 I love you for overlooking my faults.
16 I love you for your hugs! always remember hugs not drugs!
17 I love you because you been our family. And you still are our family!
18 I love you because in cafe, I have been given a cup of coffee and a smoothee every week!
19 I love you because I have gotten to know you better over the years.
20 I love you because you always responded to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
21 I love you for being genuine.
22 I love you because you have been a beacon of the Lord's Love
23 I love you because, well you are just a special group of people.

I could say a lot more, but I think you get the idea. I will always love you and never forget you. I will pray for you and ask that you would pray for us.

Keep loving God and serving the Savior.

Again, don't forget " I Love YOU!"

joyfully,

Something Happened Here!!

2011-08-20T04:50:00.000-07:00

Detroit First Church of the Nazarene: The outside of the Atrium.

This place became my home in 2003. Of all the places I have pastored, this is the most recognizable building I have seen. Over the last eight years when I would tell someone that I was a pastor, they would ask me where do you pastor? I would describe the building: It sits on Haggerty Road north of 8 mile road. It is on I-275. You know the one with the big glass atrium. I would also describe the cell tower cross on our property, which makes it one of the most recognizable landmarks in metro Detroit. The building is lovely, but the building is only one component of our church. The best thing we have going for us, is our people. They are the most generous and kind, compassionate and loving group of people, I have had the privilege of pastoring.

A Funny thing Happened:

My great grandmother and grandmother were a part of this church in the 1920's as they came seeking a job for my great uncle. They lived in the city and attended First Church, they would live here only for a couple of years, and then move back to Ohio and eventually to Indiana. My grandmother loved Detroit First Church. Never did I dream many years later I would become pastor of this church that had such an impact on my family. Lesson #1. You never know the ripple effect of ones life. DFC (Detroit First Church) gave to me by ministering to my family over 80 years ago. I pray that I have made a difference in someones life during my tenure here.

Another funny thing happened: We grew together. In 2003 DFC needed a pastor, and I as it turned out the Lord needed me to be the pastor. Pastor is not a title or a position. It is a relationship. If wealth was determined by the people that love you and the people you love, I am very wealthy. I will miss many things but the older people and the children will be especially difficult to not see on a weekly basis.

Another funny thing happened: We offered each other grace. One of the Biblical advantages of living in community is the touch of grace. People fail us, Pastors fail us, but where there is failing, there is grace. People disappoint, but where there is disappointment there is another chance to grace people. People who you have invested in, will turn and go another direction. We must always turn toward the direction of grace. The Boulevard of God's grace is the best address and the finest place one can live. I would not have learned about grace, had I not lived among people who offered a living laboratory of limitless grace. I am not sure how well I have offered grace, but it has been extended to me beyond measure not only by God, but by the people I have served.

Another funny thing happened: The more time we spent together the closer we grew. It is a life principle: Relationships develop by spending time together. The reason we encourage people to read their Bible and pray is not in order that one might check something off their to-do list. Spending time together is what one does in relationship, and how relationships blossom and grow. Not only is this true of our relationship with the Lord, it is also true of our relationships with others as well. I love the people of DFC and always will!

Another funny thing happened: I became more sensitive to the problems of people. Only by entering into the lives of people, can you really know the joy of victories, and the bitterness of defeat. By being with people you know the power of dreams, the drought of doubt, and excitement of new life, the tears of shame, and the fears of the past. At DFC I have learned the power of a pink slip to throw ones life into utter despair. I lived as it were at the epicenter of the financial tsunami. I had the honor of providing a shoulder to cry on, when families lost everything. I can no longer make judgments about what people should have done, but really understand what the cliche means "therefore but by the grace of God go I."

Another funny thing happened: I learned how resilient God's people are. I have seen people go through things that would have caused me to at least consider giving up, yet they move ahead with God. I have been their pastor, but I am also their cheerleader, press-agent, advocate, prayer partner, friend, and oh yeah their pastor.

I conclude by saying you have enriched me beyond measure, you have helped me in ways that even I do not fully understand. You loved me whether I deserved it or not, you forgave, overlooked, smiled, hugged and encouraged me. I am richer and better because I lived among you for 8 years. I close with a few pictures of the incredible people of Detroit First Church of the Nazarene:

How Do You View God?

2011-07-27T13:17:00.000-07:00

I have an important question to ask. What is the image that comes to your mind when you hear the word "God?" There could be several images that come to mind, they more than likely fall into one or two categories. Many people when they hear 'God', think of a judge in a long black robe, deliberating from a high bench. With that image, comes other images as well. Pictures of badges, police officers, prosecuting attorneys. laws, formality, fear, and the constant checking on the rule books.

How many of you when you hear the word 'God' think of a loving Father? Images of sitting on your dads lap, family vacations, family meals. Wonderful times of playing and laughing together. Do you think of a God who wipes away your tears, tucks you in, comforts you when you are sad and fearful?

Your image of God, shapes everything that you do. If you are solely viewing God as a Judge, you are then basing your relationship to Him on the law. One misstep and out you go. If you do not get it together soon, it will be off to a celestial jail for you. Certainly we are informed in Scripture that God is the Judge of the world. Notice though that Jesus taught that He is a Father. Jesus told us that everything He said had been revealed to Him by the Father. He has shown us what He has observed from His Father. Jesus instructed us that when we approach God in prayer, we can not only call Him Father, but Abba Father, a term of relational endearment akin to our use of the word 'daddy'. I know that stretches many folks image of God.

What would change in our lives if we stopped relating to God the Judge, ready to throw the book at us, and began to see God as someone we are in relationship with, you know a loving Heavenly Father who really, really cares about us? God is for you! He desires to be in relationship with you! I mean you, yes you. It does not matter how unworthy you feel. He loves you! Did you ever mess up as a child? If you had good parents they disciplined you, but mostly they loved you and sought what was best for you. Have you ever thought about God in this manner? It will change your life.

This Sunday morning I am preaching on "Is God enough?". I can't wait to share this message with you.

Remember God really does love you.

Deborah and Barak

2011-07-23T16:25:00.000-07:00

Do I have your attention? I am not talking about Debra Winger who before she was a famous actress played "wonder girl" in the mid 1970's. The Barak I am speaking of is not President Obama. I am meaning the Deborah and Barak, of the fourth chapter of the book of Judges in the Bible.

The children of Israel had developed a pattern: A cycle of rebellion. 1. They rebelled against God, then 2. Retribution, and then when they had seemingly learned their lesson they 3. Repented and then God restored them. 4. Restoration: But after a little while they rebelled and the process started all over again.

Many people think that history repeats itself. History really doesn't repeat itself, people just keep doing the same dumb things.

Read the first seven verse of Chapter 4 in Judges:

Judges 4:1-7

Deborah ¹ Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD, now that Ehud was dead. ² So the LORD sold them into the hands of Jabin king of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor. Sisera, the commander of his army, was based in Harosheth Haggoyim. ³ Because he had nine hundred chariots fitted with iron and had cruelly oppressed the Israelites for twenty years, they cried to the LORD for help. ⁴ Now Deborah, a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading^[a] Israel at that time. ⁵She held court under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites went up to her to have their disputes decided. ⁶She sent for Barak son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali and said to him, “The LORD, the God of Israel, commands you: ‘Go, take with you ten thousand men of Naphtali and Zebulun and lead them up to Mount Tabor. ⁷ I will lead Sisera, the commander of Jabin’s army, with his chariots and his troops to the Kishon River and give him into your hands.’”

Deborah was a prophet. Several women in the Bible were prophets. Miriam, Moses sister was a prophet. Anna who held baby Jesus in her arms is described as a prophetess. Philip had four daughters that are described as prophets. The word prophet is usually defined far to narrowly: one who foretells the future. Mostly prophets did 'forthtelling', "speaking forth the Word of the Lord."

Deborah was chosen by God. Period. God chose her to lead Israel. I did not choose her, she didn't even choose herself.

Deborah knew that just as she had been chosen, that Barak had been called. Called to serve God. When she explained what God had said to her concerning him, he did the wise thing. He listened to the Word. He put his faith in the God of the Universe. He said that if Deborah would go with him he would go. Some think that perhaps Barak was afraid of the 900 chariots of iron. Many times in our lives we need our faith reinforced. That is one reason God has placed us in community. We really do need and we really do need to encourage each other. Remember Barak is specifically listed in the 11th Chapter of Hebrews as a man of faith.

How do we become people of faith? Listen to God through His Word, put our faith in our God, and trust him.

Sunday July 24th I will be preaching from this passage.

Remember Psalm 20:7 Some trust in chariots, some in horse, but we will remember the name of the Lord our God!

Never at a loss for words

2011-07-16T04:56:00.000-07:00

Words. Where would we be without them? I remember how I could not wait until our son would be able to talk. To be able to conduct conversations is the 'stuff' of miracles. Words are powerful. They possess the power to bless and the power to curse. Words stick with us. Most of us can replay a conversation in our heads that contains words of harm and hurts spoken by someone in the years gone by, that to this very moment hurt deeply.
The Bible has a lot to say about words. May the words of my mouth....out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.....your Word have I hid in my heart...Your word is a light unto my path....In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God...they sharpen their tongues like swords and aim cruel words like deadly arrows.
The list is not exhaustive, the Bible has much to say about words. Most of us speak without giving much thought to the impact of our words. Today you have the choice to make a difference by what you say. Someone today needs a word 'fitly spoken' to quote the Bible again. Not only can we replay in our minds hurtful conversations, we can likewise hear words of love, encouragement and healing as well. Remember a time when you were discouraged, and someone came along side of you and encouraged you? They may have not understood what a healing salve their words were, but you knew.
Today is a day for us to return the favor. Stop waiting for someone to encourage you, you be an encourager. Start with some words that can be applied like a cool compress to the brokenness of someones life. In a world not lacking for words, there is still a lack of healthy, healing, encouraging, comforting words. You can be the messenger of hope today. It is not dependent upon your bank account, talent, or present circumstances. You can take the Word of God, and deliver a word of kindness and care to someone in your life today.
When I attend seminars often the leader will say 'look over your notes what is the one take away that you will use this week'. I want your take away from all of this to be, within the next 24 hours I will use my words, to bless and encourage, to uplift and help someone. Now go and use some words to help someone in your life.

Lets Make A Deal

2011-07-09T11:00:00.000-07:00

The old game show was called "Let's make a deal." Monty Hall would ask you which door do you want, door #1, door #2, or door #3? Sometimes it worked fine, other times not such a good deal. There is something in the human spirit that likes deals. Hang a for sale sign out and people will seem to stop and look. We are all looking for a bargain.

There is an interesting story from the ninth chapter of the book of Joshua:

However, when the people of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai,⁴ they resorted to a ruse: They went as a delegation whose donkeys were loaded^[a]with worn-out sacks and old wineskins, cracked and mended. ⁵ They put worn and patched sandals on their feet and wore old clothes. All the bread of their food supply was dry and moldy. ⁶ Then they went to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal and said to him and the Israelites, “We have come from a distant country; make a treaty with us.”

They wanted to survive so they came up with a plan, we will wear worn out clothes, we will take stale food with us, and when Joshua asks where we are from we will tell him we are from a distant country.

They were afraid they would experience the same outcome as the surrounding people had, namely they would be conquered by Joshua. They reasoned that if they could convince Joshua that they were from far away, he would be more likely to enter a peace agreement.

The ruse worked and Joshua was fooled. There is a verse that we need to take a look at:

¹⁴ The Israelites sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the LORD. ¹⁵ Then Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the assembly ratified it by oath.

How many times have we gotten in trouble, because we did not inquire of the Lord? We deem something as logical and we move ahead. It makes sense to us, so it must be God's will. Now a more important question, how many times have we messed up because we did not pray and ask for God's guidance?

Seek the Lord and His will for every circumstance, event and decision. Joshua would regret this situation.

You know what? The Gibeonites regretted the decision as well: Joshua would not break the covenant with them, but he assigned them as woodcutters and water carriers. These were the lowest jobs available. Jobs usually done by slaves. The chapter closes with this statement about the Gibeonites: ...and that is what they are to this day! Still to this day, they are woodcutters and water carriers. All because they had a good plan! There is no good plan without God!

What seemed like a good deal to Joshua and the Gibeonites, became a bad deal for both. It did not work out as the planned. What door are you going to pick? Door #1 The door of human ingenuity and, I can solve my problems through my own efforts. Door #2 The door of I will not seek God's will, He has given me a good mind and I can figure this out for myself. Door #3 I must seek God's will for everything and in everything.

The choice is yours, be sure to choose wisely. It is a big deal!!!

One Day At a Time

2011-06-30T05:13:00.000-07:00

As I sit in my burgundy chair, my prayer chair, I have an appointment with the Lord and His world. This is the place where I seek the Lord early in the morning. It is neither a beautiful or a special chair in and of itself. It is the Lord who makes the chair and the time special. Nothing happens in life by chance. Getting into the Word, communing with the Lord, reading and reviewing the important values, this is the mortar that holds ones life together. It is here that I start my day reading and writing and reviewing the day before and begin to prayerfully anticipate the day ahead. It is in this place where I have found books with great insights and have reread and reacquainted myself with old stories, that are like a visit from an old friend. It is here that I have worked my way through the Bible, devotional literature and journals. It is here that I have poured out my heart in times of disappointment and it here that I have rejoiced in the goodness of the Lord.

When you develop a habit, you notice patterns. As I look out the front window every morning I see the usual walkers, joggers and runners. I have come to know these people and their dogs. Just as I am seeking to keep my appointment, they are keeping theirs as well. One elderly gentleman who is quite stooped, passes by my window between 6 and 7 AM every day rain, snow or sunshine. He is an inspirational figure, reminding me of the power of habits and the rhythm they engender. Wednesday is garbage day and this is the day that the 'rag-man' appears. I do not know who he is or where he lives, I have never seen him in the neighborhood except on garbage and recycling day. He usually rides a bicycle and coasts by our junk, if something catches his attention he will stop and pick it up and keep on moving. He has the grace of an eagle sweeping down and capturing its prey in its talons.

In the midst of walkers, runners, and vehicles carrying folks to the halls of commerce, it is in this place and space where my life is lived. As I meet with the Lord I have a front-row seat to My Fathers world.

Into this place, is a space I call the 'holy place'. I must stay in tune with God, and in touch with the world around me. One does not negate the other. As folks pass by my window, I am reminded of the invitation hymn of days gone by: "Pass me not O gentle Savior, hear my humble cry, while on others Thou art calling do not pass me by".

Life is so daily. Daily I must discover His ever fresh mercies. Daily I am reminded that everything happens in small measures of time. This week Susanne and I celebrated 31 years of marriage. We did not arrive at this point except by living and loving and forgiving and moving forward one day at a time. I came to faith in Christ in 1969, I have walked it daily, through seasons of joy and jumble, grace and grit, peace and pressure, wins and losses. I look back and say, He has been faithful. One day at a time.

The Long and Short of it

2011-06-20T13:14:00.000-07:00

The summer is a wonderful time of warmth and sun light. My backyard faces the west. Therefore I enjoy wonderful evenings of glowing warm sunshine. It seems so restful and restorative. Filling my lungs with fresh air, sitting in the great outdoors and reading a book, I even enjoy the chores that go along with this time of a year. The days are long! In another six months we will experience the shortest day of the year. Where I live it seems to be dark by five in the afternoon. There is usually a chill or cold to go along with the long season of darkness. No longer will I sit in my backyard and read. My reading and my ever present Kindle will move into the great indoors. Sweaters and hoodies become the necessary fashion equipment.

Long days or short days, is one better than the other? The best day and best time is actually today! I cannot stop or speed up the clock. When we are children, we cannot wait until we are teenagers. When we are teens, we cannot wait until we are out of school and on our own. When in college, we cannot wait until we have graduated and have a job. When we graduate, we can't wait until we can get married. We get married, and then we can't wait until we have children. The children come, and then we say, we can't wait until they can talk and walk. (Even though we will spend the next several years telling them to sit down and be quiet) Then we long for the day we will be more secure and have a better job or position. Then we can't wait until we are financially secure. Then we can't wait until we retire. Then one day we sit on the front porch of our retirement home and say, "I wish .....

Where ever you are, live. Stop thinking about the great things you are going to do in future, and start living today. God can use you to make a difference right where you are. If it springtime in your life, stop and smell the flowers. If it summertime in your life, stop and smell the sunscreen. If it is autumn in your life, stop and smell the doughnuts and cider. If it is wintertime in your life, stop and smell the liniment.

God is strategic in His planning; at least consider how He desires to use you today, right where you are. There is only one way to the future; it is through the path of faithful obedience today! Be faithful right where you are!!

That really is the long and short of it.

Dear Dad...

2011-06-17T15:11:00.000-07:00

Dear Dad....
I think it is nice to have a special day just dedicated to you. Do you think I could borrow the car tomorrow?
Dad you are the best, thanks for providing for me... Would it be okay if I stayed out a little late tomorrow night? Please! Dad you are the best, you have always looked out for me. What do you mean change into my dress clothes, these are my dress clothes. Dad, my friends think you are pretty cool compared to their dads. Dad I really love you and mom. What do you mean you don't like Jack. Dad, he is the nicest boy I have ever known. Dad you are so old-fashioned.... Daddy thanks for the trips to Disney World, the Lake, and to see grandma and grandpa. Why can't I stay out past curfew? I am 17 years old, I wish you would quit treating me like a baby!! Daddy, I remember the time you went to school with me for lunch. I am glad that we don't do that in high school... Thanks for always coming to my games. Why can't I take my three friends with me in the car! Dad you are soooo impossible.

Dads, they are complicated, complex, cranky, and sometimes crazy. Dads: there is just one word to describe them: hero. Dads you have helped us when we needed it, whether we thought we needed help or not, you were there. You made God seem closer, and heaven a reality. You wiped our tears, and gave great counsel. You were a listening ear, a cheerleader, and a coach. You were friend, warden, protector and guide. It doesn't seem fair to try to say how much we love you just one day of the year. Because you are who you are, we are who we are.

Whatever your circumstances this Father's Day. Be thankful. I never knew my dad, but I have had great role models, and today I am thankful for them. If you had a great dad, pause to remember him, if he is no longer here, and if he is around, spend some time with him. Say something you will be glad you said when he is no longer here.
If you have a hard time with Fathers day. Remember the Greatest Father is our Heavenly Father. Thank Him for being your Father.

See, there is much for which to give thanks.

Dad by Default

2011-06-15T12:28:00.000-07:00

This Sunday we will celebrate and commemorate, Fathers Day. For many it will be a day to spend some time with our dads. Others will struggle because of the complexity of their relationship with their dads. Some will be experiencing the first Fathers Day without dad. Even the picking of a card can be stressful. Moms, they seem to be easier, even when the relationship is complicated, we still respect the person who gave us birth. Dad, that can be another story. The intent of this Blog post is not to beat up on dads. I want to recognize an entire host of unsung heroes: default dads! I am not talking about the last man standing and who feels the obligation to take you on as his project. I am rather thinking of Grandpas who step in and fill the role of dad. Siblings, uncles, neighbors, teachers, coaches, Sunday School teachers, pastors, youth leaders and many others who have and continue to fill this void.
I had many of these men who operated as father figures, since I have never met my dad. Allow me to name a few. My grandfather Martin H. Bradford. He was a large influence in my life. He, like all of us had flaws, but he took me in and treated me well. John Ridgley a man from my church who took me one Sunday into the men's restroom and untied my tie and spent the entire Sunday School hour teaching me how to tie a tie. Not as important today, but a real necessary life skill back in the day. Joe Yater, a Sunday School teacher in my teen years, he along with John Ridgley took turns being my dad at the Father-Son banquets at our church. I never lacked for a dad at church. Mr. Ridgley, put together a bike for me, and took me out of church one Sunday to correct me. It embarrassed me then, but made a lasting impression on me, if you really love and care for someone you will not just coddle them, you will correct and discipline as well.
Pastor Wilmer Watson, the man who was my pastor for many years. An example to this day of sanctified living. He took such an interest and did things that I, as a Pastor am not sure I would be willing to do. Whenever I think of the word pastor, his is the first face I see. He was also a surrogate dad, and he modeled biblical kindness and I have never forgotten him or what I observed.

This Sunday I am preaching a traditional non-traditional Fathers Day Message. It is about Mordecai and Esther. He took her in to raise her, for only one reason given in the Bible, she had no mother or father. He was her uncle, but in reality he became her default dad. I am not using the word as the last gasp or semblance of something. I am rather using the word as the one who in taking on a role not naturally theirs, make themselves the home key. Or might I say the key to a happy home.

Who ever you are today and whatever your relationship with your parents, you and I can make a difference in at least one persons life. Step out and step up and make the difference in a young persons life. Be that go to guy, be the default key and make sure they know they are loved by you and by God. I have no choice, I would be ungrateful if I did not seek to do this, after all I had a lot of help and role models growing up. I learned something as I became older, I can either spend my time complaining about what I don't have, or I can Praise the Lord, for the blessings I do have. My blessings have always exceeded my problems (by a mile or more). Yours as well, if you begin to think about it and remember your blessings.

Ashes to Fire!

2011-06-07T11:58:00.000-07:00

Like many congregations in our denomination, we have been journeying from the beginning of the Lenten season on Ash Wednesday all the way to Pentecost Sunday. This Sunday ends this wonderful journey. Pastor Levi and I have done 6 video devotionals a weeks since the week of March 9th. It has been a wonderful trip. We have walked with Jesus to Jerusalem. Along the way we witnessed preaching, teaching and healing. We have joined the disciples in times of great joy and victory. We have also been in the upper room, when the word 'betrayal' hung heavy in the air. We stood in the court yard and once again witnessed the unfairness of a mock trial. Our sensibilities were shocked again by the evil, violence that people commit in the name of God or justice. We watched the Savior carry a cross, and shed His blood for our salvation.
Silence and a sadness hung over us and we realized the journey was over. Will we ever be the same? Can life ever contain meaning again? Then...then.....Resurrection. Up from the grave He arose!!! And that my friends has and will always make all the difference!! He is Risen! How quickly we move past our traditional Easter greeting and get caught up in the rhythms of our calendars.
This Sunday we celebrate the promise of the Father, wait until you receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Don't start until the fire falls. It is not about your plans, but it is always about His power. Ashes to Fire what a journey and what a promise.

Ever Committed an Error!

2011-06-04T16:34:00.000-07:00

Baseball players are paid handsomely to do a job, play baseball. I love baseball. Baseball can teach us a lot of lessons, but one that stands out is: no matter how good you are, errors are a part of the game.
Errors usually come at inopportune times. That is why they seem so painful. Like infielders we can decide to live life cautiously. We have determined that if we just live a safe life, we will cut down on the amount of errors that we commit. In baseball all of the errors are in full view of the spectators in the stands.
Jesus was being questioned by the religious leaders, they thought they could catch Jesus in a "gotcha" moment. Jesus says in Matthew 22:29 "You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God. The word that Jesus uses for error is a word that means 'led astray, wrong, or mistaken.' You want to cut down on errors? Study and search the Scriptures, and seek to know and follow the Lord in all and every area of your life.

Forgiveness begins at Home

2011-05-26T09:50:00.000-07:00

One of the things I have become absolutely, totally, convinced of, is that there is a lot of hurt and pain in our families. So many people are nursing wounds and grudges against, parents, children, siblings and spouses. In life we face many set backs, disappointments, and heart breaks. Some events in life are easier to get over, some seem to keep us mired in anger and self-pity. If you are full of pain and anger, the last thing you would like to hear today, is that you need to forgive. Yet unforgiveness is, in fact a very real issue for most people. Nearly everyone has someone(s) they have not forgiven.
We can't talk about forgiveness without at the outset acknowledging the pain you are experiencing. Pain is real! Some act as though the pain is not real. It is real! It is only because we have been hurt, that we need to offer forgiveness.
There are so many wounded people in our world. Not just in our world, but in our neighborhoods, churches and homes. Many of the wounds are large, therefore they need a God-sized solution: forgiveness.
Let me state this clearly, everyone gets hurt and everyone will get hurt. You can count on it happening. You will be wronged, mistreated and harmed in some way by some one.

let me share a verse with you:
Eph 4:32
32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Forgiveness is not an option for a Christian, it is a command. You might be saying, you have no idea what they did to me, you have no right to ask me to forgive them, I will never be able to forgive. I believe that to be a true statement. We must realize that as followers of Christ that His grace is sufficient for every situation. Most of us choose to become "debt collectors." We determine that the guilty party should pay for what they have done. Regardless of what happens we have every intention of keeping the person obligated to us, by nursing the hurts and as it were keeping them in a debtors prison in our minds.
The problem is that rather keeping the other person in a prison, we become a prisoner.
As believers if we continue on the path of unforgiveness we are forced to face the real issue: our actions amount to disobedience.
This Sunday we are going to look at the story that Jesus told in Matthew 18. Living Forgiving.

Forgiving is not minimizing the damage, letting the person off the hook. Forgiveness is not ignoring the problem. Forgiveness does offer grace to the offending party, but forgiveness sets us free.

Do you want to free?

There are Heroes Among Us!

2011-05-18T09:30:00.000-07:00

How do you define hero? Is it a cartoon character? Perhaps a movie star or singer. Someone who has led a platoon into battle, or someone who has invented something, or an entrepreneur who has made a lot of money? You should look a little closer to home. Hollywood does not have a market on heroes. First, let us look at how the dictionary defines hero:

1. a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities.

2. a person who, in the opinion of others, has heroic qualities or has performed a heroic act and is regarded as a model or ideal: He was a local hero when he saved the drowning child.

3. the principal character in a story, play, film, etc.

The dictionary does not define the word hero as narrowly or limited as we might usually define it. We all have someone in mind, maybe even several someones in mind when we think of heroes.

There are some often overlooked folks who more than adequately meet the qualifications to be considered a hero.

First the dictionary says that it is a person of distinguished courage or ability. I know several someones who this could be applied to, but in the busy world in which we live, we race right past them and rarely give them a second glance. Let me identify some real heroes. Mostly unnoticed and usually left off of most hero lists. I am speaking about single parents! Some are single because a spouse has died. Some are single because their spouse left them. Whether they are divorced, never married, or a widowed, they labor hard to be both mom and dad. None of them ever dreamed as a child, that they someday would be a single parent, but that is exactly where they find themselves. This Sunday we are going to honor this courageous group.

Another group of heroes are grandparents. They have raised their children, and for many reasons now find themselves raising their grandchildren. This was my situation, if had not been for grandparents, I do not know where I would be today. They never ever made me feel unwanted, or unloved. They gave me the impression that I was a blessing and not an intrusion. My grandmother remains the single most influential person from my formative years. she labored to instill godly values in my life.

She did sign up for the assignment, but I am so glad that she assumed the role of mother, grandmother, friend and mentor.

She never had a comic book written about her, never was listed in the Who's Who's. She was never asked to write a book, nor was she ever interviewed by Dr. Dobson. Never did she receive a plaque or roses for her efforts. There was never a sermon delivered that I can recall, that extolled her importance. I don't recall anyone even really noticing her actions and efforts.

All she did was serve the Lord, love me and oh yeah, I never heard her complain about it either.

I want to live my life as a testimony to the hero who still inspires me.

If your home was in the non-traditional mode as mine was, hold your head up high, put your shoulders back, and you be the trophy that your parent, step-parent, grandparent or foster parent never received on earth.

You are special and so are the heroes who helped us!!

This Sunday we are going to honor some real super-heroes. Their super human quality you ask? They loved God and they loved us, and more than anything else they gave us stabilty and love. I believe their names are presently listed in the roll call of faith. They truly fit the description "of whom the world was not worthy."

Heroes, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Three Things I learned from Four Year Old Lauren Cramer

2011-05-10T04:27:00.000-07:00

This is a reprint of an article I wrote in 1996. I had just become pastor of a church in Indianapolis. The congregation had gone through a difficult pastoral transition. the church had been pastored by two men for nearly 30 years. The next pastor was there 16 months, and then I became the pastor. To say there were some challenges is an understatement. Nearly 250 people had left the church before I arrived. This was quite unusual, because usually people did not leave a church until after I arrived. There were some tense moments. Susanne and I would go on to have a marvelous time at the church. So with this back drop you will understand better the reason I originally wrote this article. Lauren is now graduating from high school. I caught up with Lauren and her family at Olivet Nazarene University where her sister graduated this past weekend. So, allow me to take a stroll down memory Lane. I give you: The Three Things I learned From Four Year Old Lauren Cramer.

I have a better understanding today ( November 1996) of why Jesus used a child to illustrate greatness. I likewise understand why Jesus when asked to define greatness, placed a child in the midst and said unless you change and become like little children you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven. There is a world of difference between being childish and childlike. Childish behavior is usually the domain of adults! Childlikenss is the domain of children. I have to admit that I have witnessed a lot of childishness in my lifetime, some of it from others! Childlike involves qualities like trust, faith, being without guile, and gentle loving kindness. You can learn a lot from a child. I have in recent days learned some very important lessons from a four year old girl.
Every Sunday at my new pastorate I never know quite what to expect, a lot of people are hurting and some are disappointed with what has transpired at their church. I have listened to their stories and have tried to enter into their pain. Some times I wonder if we will ever get past our past. One Sunday morning I happened to be by the door that the Cramer family came through, Joel was holding his four year old daughter Lauren in his arms. Joel said to his little girl while pointing at me "do you know who this is?" She replied "Pastor." She reached out her arms to me and I gave her a hug. I made note of what door the Cramers entered the church. I would position myself to be by that door when the Cramers arrived at church. I would receive a hug and a smile from Lauren. This would be the first thing I learned from Lauren: "If you love people, they will usually love you back." Lauren reminded me that it just as easy to love people as it is to not love people. We make the choice. She taught me that if you smile, reach out your arms, it is pretty difficult for people to not respond. I want to be a Lauren, I want to love the people God sends into my life.

One Wednesday evening. I saw Lauren and her dad, she was dressed in her Caravan (Christian Scouting type program in the Church of the Nazarene) outfit. She told me she was a "Chippewa" (former designation of the various age groups in the Caravan program) When I quizzed her about her Caravan group, she immediately raised her hand and gave me the pledge. She recited that she would tell the truth etc. This would be the second lessons that Lauren taught me: "Values matter." Lauren told me that character matters. If you want to live a great life, it must be built on correct values. Lauren's voice has served as a reminder of what is truly important.

One day I was thinking of people who made a difference in my life. I thought of my grandmother, a person who did not graduate from high school, she was blind, and had other health issues. She never held an elected position in our church, but she was a leader, and she made a huge difference in my life. Then I thought about others in my life including Lauren, and I realized it is not the famous, or the rich, or the beautiful who make the greatest impact, it is rather the real people who God sends into our lives.
So, Lesson number Three: I learned from Lauren, Everyone has the opportunity to make a difference. If a blind grandma and a four year old girl can make a difference, what is my excuse? The third lesson I learned from this little girl is really two-fold: I have the opportunity to make the difference in the lives of others. I also learned that you don't have to leave home to make a difference, you just have to show up. I have to go now I think Lauren and her family are about to arrive at church.

Fifteen years later, I still believe every word I wrote. Thanks Lauren for being a encourager to me, and congratulations on your high school graduation. Tell your sister and brother that I love them, your mom and dad are nice too!

Mother's Day: Let us remember to say Thank you!

2011-05-07T06:47:00.000-07:00

Have you ever watched a football game and noticed as the camera zooms in for a close-up of an athlete, almost always they will mouth the words:" Hi mom." When a child is hurt it is usually 'mommy' that they cry for. When I am conducting a child dedication service, I remind the congregation that the greatest human power on earth is a mothers love. The greatest power is not nuclear, it is the loving heart of a mother, this loving power of our mothers is the reason we have made it thus far.

I am not saying that our moms are perfect. Some of you reading this have a difficult relationship with your mom. Perhaps there is no better time than today, to acknowledge and honor our mothers. Mothers have stayed up late through the night rocking us to sleep. They have prayed for us and with us, they have fed us, cleaned up after us, put up with us, and believed in us when no one else dared. They are proud of us, and never seem to mind when we neglect and ignore them. It is appropriate that we have a day in which to celebrate our moms. Maybe we could send them on a cruise, or a trip around the world, maybe we could even give them a ticker-tape parade. You know perhaps a card, and a heart felt "I love you" would be what they would most like to receive.

If your mom is alive, give her a call today and tell her how much you love her, if she is deceased, offer thanks to God for her impact upon your life.

Thanks Mom, I could not have made it without you.

How to Raise Children without raising your blood pressure!!

2011-05-03T08:15:00.000-07:00

This Sunday I am continuing the series on the "Transformed Family" Last week we looked at the blended family. This week, it will be "How to raise children without raising your blood pressure." Children are the joy of our lives and families. Yet, they did not come with an instruction booklet. We were pretty much left to our own devices. The only model we had was our family. That can be either good or bad. Many parents feel guilty about their parenting, others indulge and frankly over indulge their children. What is it that we are exactly supposed to be instilling in our children?

We are going to look at the Scripture and see what is it that is supposed to happen in our children's lives as result of living in our homes?
One thing we must understand is that our children really do not belong to us, they are God's! He has placed them in our lives and homes, that we might love them and nurture them. We are God's stewards. Remember, you will only have them in your home for a period of time. They grow up and leave. Will they be ready to live on their own? Too many of us are taking our cue from the culture. We keep our kids busy, we seemingly chase the urgent, and forget the essential.

I want you to look at some Bible verses:
Eph 6:1-4
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 "Honor your father and mother"-which is the first commandment with a promise— 3 "that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth."
4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Col 3:20-21
20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
21 Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.
Prov 22:6
Train a child in the way he should go,
and when he is old he will not turn from it.

Even though we are to instill certain things in our children, we learn from them as well. Jesus loved children! He put one in the center and said unless you become like a little child you cannot be my disciple. Children are very important to Jesus! They must be important to us as well. Important enough to make sure we are instilling the proper things in their lives.
I will be looking for you this Sunday. Remember it is children that need to be raised, and not our blood pressure. No matter how well you do as a parent, there will be times when you feel you have blown it, failed and failed miserably.
Parents most you of you are doing far better than you think! You are making a positive difference.

I am looking forward to the message. If you are unable to be with us, please listen to the message on Monday afternoon. You can find it at www.dfcnazarene.org

A Frog in the Coffee!

2011-04-25T12:41:00.000-07:00

Easter weekend has passed. The plastic eggs have been put back in the attic. The relatives have left, things are returning to normal. You can't help but have a little let-down. The pageantry and poetic promise of Holy Week, and now it is behind us,and what is left? Well...Mothers Day and then Memorial Day, and then Fathers Day and the first day of summer. Sprinkle in a few graduations and the opening of pool season and before you know it, we will be hanging Christmas ornaments and getting ready for Christmas parties and pageants. Is this how we mark out the days of our lives? One day, one holiday and then off to the next celebration. I don't know about you, but every day is not a party in my part of the world. I was sick last night, and had the Doctor say you are sick again? Here take these pills and tough it out and in a little while you will be as good as new. It is raining as I write this post. Whether I want it to rain is beside the point, it is raining. Rain is an important part of life, just as sunshine, and even snow. I am alive on the rainy days, just as I am on the sunny days.

Our God is a God who surprises us with His grace even on rainy days, even when I have bronchitis. He is Lord of everything. There have been in my life surprises of grace even in unexpected places. I like coffee, frogs not so much...Yet even on froggy days God has led me. There have been days of victory and days of discouragement, yet God has helped me on both occasions. There have been days of laughter and days of tears, God has been with me on both occasions. There have been sermons I have preached that even an atheist would say 'that was inspired'. There have been times when I wondered what was God thinking when He called me to preach. The surprise has been after one of my dud sermons, someone or a few someones will come up and say, 'you will never know how much God used you to touch me today.'

I have learned that God loves me on my near perfect days. He even loves me when I find a frog in my coffee. And, all the days in between. Easter may be over, but the power of the Resurrection remains, and sustains me daily!

Coffee anyone?

The Silence of the Lamb

2011-04-22T12:02:00.000-07:00

Silence. Sometimes we desire it, other times it bothers us, at times embraced and other times unwanted. Silence has many useful purposes. It allows us to clear our minds, it allows us concentrated thinking, and at times a chance to regroup. If you are surrounded by noise, a little silence goes a long way.
Yet there are times that silence is not desired. When you have asked someone for approval and there is that dreaded silence. We have all experienced that moment of awkward silence when people shift from foot to foot, and clear their throat, trying to find the right words to express what they really want to say.
As uncomfortable as it might be, when loved ones and friends give us the silent treatment, it is even more heartbreaking when it seems that God is silent. If you walk with the Lord, you will experience from time to time seasons of silence. Your prayers seem to bounce off the ceiling and come back down into your lap.
A few weeks ago in a sermon I gave some advice on what to do when you don't feel you are hearing from God. What do you do? I told the congregation "if you do what you know to do, you will know what to do." In other words, until further notice keep doing what you are doing. God comes to us as we continue serving Him obediently. Yet Good Friday and Silent Saturday remind us that there are times when God is silent. It reminds me of when someone displays a beautiful diamond, they put it on black velvet. It seems the shine and brightness of the diamond seems more brilliant against the dark background. The resurrection seems to shine more brightly as it is displayed from a tomb and the hours of silence that followed the Crucifixion.
Behold the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world. Though He was silent on Friday and Saturday, this Sunday it will be time for the silence to be broken. He Is Risen, He Is Risen Indeed!!!!

Were You There?

2011-04-20T08:18:00.000-07:00

We Christians are always in a hurry to get to Easter. We like empty tombs, the Resurrection, and the promise of life eternal. Serving, washing feet, all night prayer meetings, false charges, beatings, mocking, and crosses we would rather avoid. The song that you will hear some time this week asks a question: "Were You There"? What do you mean was I there? That was over 2000 years ago. I, nor my parents or grandparents were even born 2000 years ago. So, how could I have been there? It makes no sense!
Christ died for our sin! There is a sense in which we were very much there. It was sin that needed to be forgiven. A sacrifice for the sin of the world in general, and my sin in particular. So you see in sense, I was there, and so were you.
There is always a danger that since we have heard the story so often, that we might move right past the Last Supper, the Garden of Gethsemane, the trial, the floggings, and beatings, and the crucifixion and hurry right to the garden tomb. Since, in a sense we were there, we need to linger a little while and remember that though salvation and grace are free, they are quite costly! It cost Jesus. A cost He willingly bore that you and I might be set free.
When I am there, I am reminded that the Savior of the world did not come to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many. If Jesus was willing to serve, then I certainly am not above the need to be a servant.
If the righteous Son of God, spent the night in prayer, I must ask myself how much time do I spend in prayer?
If Jesus would look at the city of Jerusalem and weep for it, I must be concerned and touched by the sin and indifference in my city.
If Jesus had to experience mistreatment, and abuse and much hurt from people. How is it that I think I must be treated fairly by all?
If Jesus committed everything to God, how can I respond but in the same manner.

I pray for you and your family, that you will enjoy a blessed Easter Sunday morning, but before you get there spend some time in the garden, and in the crowd and at the foot of the cross

When the Cheering Stops!

2011-04-14T13:12:00.000-07:00

Cheering and applause are a natural response suggesting approval, support and agreement. Not just any approval, but whole-hearted, full-throttled, enthusiastic support. There was a book written about President Woodrow Wilson, and his stewarding of the nation and the world, in the pursuit of fighting the "War to end all Wars". After the war concluded, President Wilson was not just popular at home but he was celebrated the world over. Where ever he travelled, the throngs cheered him. It did not take long before things settled back to the place where things seem to always settle, and people became dissatisfied and Wilson's popularity dissipated.
There is also a book about Pro football. How players and coaches spend all of their energy and every Sunday they are cheered and applauded. Then one injury too many, the onset of Father time, and the eroding of youthful talent, means that the athlete must leave the playing field. They must adapt to a world with no more cheering. These the formerly famous, live lives of quiet anonymity.

Think of the times in your life when everything was going your way. You felt on top of the world, but sure enough, the clapping stops, the cheering quiets and things seem quite different.

Jesus is coming into Jerusalem on a donkey, a sign of someone coming in peace and is received by a cheering crowd. They adore Jesus, He is inspiring them, they are shouting and cheering. You might think it does not get better than the roar of the approval of the crowd. Yet, in a few hours the cheers become taunts, and cursing, and violence, and vitriol. What happened? Jesus did not meet their expectations. They were looking for a different kind of a Messiah, one more to their liking.

Jesus shows us what to do when the cheering stops, and the applause go silent. Do you know what you do? You trust God! You cannot spend life playing to the crowd. Crowds are fickle and temperamental. God is in control. He is our audience, and audience of one. If you are at a place in your life where you feel like all the cheering has stopped. Please remember God loves you, He loves you so much that He sent His obedient Son, who endured the cross, and yes He even endured when the cheering stopped.

Where is your Focus?

2011-04-04T13:32:00.000-07:00

As you drive an automobile there are several places you can focus upon. Allow me to illustrate:

Each of these items help with moving ahead. The rear view mirror helps you to see where you have been and to make sure that it is safe to change lanes. The side view mirror gives you another view. You can make sure that you are free to continue on your trip. the windshield allows you to see what is ahead.
Do you realize that life is a lot like this? The windshield is more than twenty times the size of the rear view or side view mirror. The reason is simple: the main goal is to move ahead. The rear view mirror is to be glanced at periodically. The same would be true of the side view mirror.
We must move ahead. Take a moment to read the words of the Apostle Paul:
Phil 3:13-14
13 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
NIV
Paul says to forget the past. Yet many today try to drive their lives by focusing on the rear view mirror of life. In other words they are stuck in the past. They cannot let go, they cannot move on, they cannot let it go. If you were to drive your vehicle by only concentrating on the rear view mirror, you would end up in a ditch or worse. It will take more than just trying to forget the past, you must press on. Have you ever noticed that printed on the side view mirror is the following statement: "objects are closer than they appear in the mirror." Many live their lives fixated on what is going to get them. They are enslaved by the fear that something in the past is gaining on them and will overtake them.
Paul, in prison when the Spirit spoke to him, said that he was going to move on and move ahead and press on for the Lord.
The reason the windshield is so much larger is that it forces us to focus on the future. Where is your focus today? Give your past to the Lord, allow Him to cover it and forgive it, and move on with Him!
Keep the windshield view of life

Go to Ninevah! Thanks but no thanks

2011-03-24T20:53:00.000-07:00

God loves the world! We all believe that. Through out the Bible and the History of the church,we have seen that God loves to work through His people. He asked Jonah to go and preach the Word to the city of Ninevah. Jonah did not much care for Ninevites. He was concerned that God might forgive them. He did not want to go. Has God ever asked you to do something that you did not want to do? How did you react? Jonah decided that rather than go to Ninevah, he would go the opposite direction. There is an interesting statement in the book of Jonah. He is not being obedient to God's command as a matter of fact, he goes in the opposite direction. He boards the ship and goes below deck and falls into a deep sleep. As a great storm breaks out it looks like the ship and all of the passangers may indeed be lost. These sailors who are not followers of God, begin to pray, and the Prophet is in bed asleep. What a picture of our day. Christians are asleep at the hour of need. People who don't know God are trying to find a spiritual connection. Jonah's day is much like ours, the ones who profess love for God are asleep. Too many believers are asleep. Asleep to the fact that God does indeed love our neighbors and our world. Asleep to the fact that God wants to use us to impact our world for the cause of Christ. This Sunday we are going to talk about going to the Ninevah of our day. Are we willing to go and be used, or our we going our way, and are we asleep while the storms are raging? God is still in the sending and saving enterprise, Let's join in with what God is doing!

Ashes to Fire Devotional Depend on God

2011-03-24T18:28:00.001-07:00

Today's Ashes to Fire Video Devotional

2011-03-22T11:35:00.000-07:00

Taking Jesus at His word.

Are you an Encourager?

2011-03-19T13:04:00.000-07:00

Barnabas is called the Son of encouragement. His real name is Joseph, but every time we encounter him in the Bible he is encouraging someone. We first encounter him when he has made a generous donation to the church early in the book of Acts. Generosity and Encouragement go together. You are not likely to pass along encouragement if you don't posses a generous spirit. We all want someone to encourage us, but we are not all as interested in encouraging others. This is one of those areas where it is more blessed to give than to receive. As you wait for someone to come along and encourage you, it might never happen. What is keeping you from offering true encouragement to someone else? You can change a lot of things once you stop feeling sorry for yourself and start looking around and start offering words and actions of encouragement and support.

Many folks have an opinion regarding the subject of encouragement.

“Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you. Love me and I may be forced to love you.”

William Arthur Ward

Barnabas was the one the church sent to investigate whether it was really possible for Gentiles to be saved. It was Barnabas who took Saul/Paul under his wing. When others in the church were afraid he was the same person who persecuted the church. Again, it was Barnabas who gave him a chance. You see an encourager believes in the transforming power of God that changes people!

When Paul became discouraged with Mark, and did not want him to go with he and Barnabas on the next mission trip. It was Barnabas who said, 'I will take him and I will work with him.' Because of this kindness, Paul would say later that Mark was valuable to him. People who encourage are willing to take a risk on a person, and work with them and help to mentor them. Who could you mentor?

None of us would make it, were it not for some one showing us grace, kindness and love. There are a lot of things I cannot do. I cannot sing, or play an instrument. But, I can encourage someone today! Stop feeling sorry for yourself and start investing your life in helping others. There is someone right where you are who needs you today.

Today's Video Devotional - Saturday, March 19

2011-03-19T11:14:00.000-07:00

Enjoy!

Ashes to Fire Video Devotional - Thursday March 17

2011-03-17T06:43:00.000-07:00

Today's video devotional is on John 3.16-21. Enjoy!

Ashes to Fire Video Devotional - Saturday March 12th

2011-03-12T13:24:00.000-08:00

Our church is reading the Ashes to Fire devotional book together throughout the season of Lent. Each day we are posting a different video devotional to go along with the Gospel reading for that day. Today's devotional is posted below. If you would like to keep up with our daily video devotionals, click here.

Today's devotional is based on John 1.43-42. Enjoy!

behold the Dreamer!

2011-03-11T14:25:00.000-08:00

Joseph is well known in the Bible for many reasons: One reason is that he was the favorite son of his father. In order for his father to better advertise this fact, he gave him a colorful coat. And you thought your family invented dysfunction! Joseph added to the family dynamics by informing his family that he had dreams that when interpreted meant, that his family some day would all bow before him. Again, though true, did not endear him to his brothers. Joseph was sent by his father to go and see his brothers who were working out in the fields, when his brothers looked up and saw him coming they said "behold the dreamer."

Here comes the dreamer! Perhaps you caught their intention. They were not giving him a compliment. It was said in derision. Oh brother, here comes Mr. Big-shot, the holier-than thou, loud mouthed brother of ours.

Do you have a dream? I am meaning, the "vision of a preferable future" kind of a dream.
Do you possess a God-given vision or dream of how He is going to use you to make a difference in your world kind of a dream? I believe we all have or have had a dream. For many and perhaps most, life has a way of beating the dreams right out of us.

Oh yes now back to Joseph. Again with a family that shall we say, had issues, Joseph's brothers decide to take care of him once and for all. They strip him of his colorful coat, and throw him in the bottom of a dry cistern. They are waiting for the chance to kill him. Fortunately a caravan of slave traders happen by, and in a moment of charity and business acumen they decided to sell him.

For Joseph I wondered if it felt like the death of the dream. How do you square everyone bowing down before you, and being in the bottom of a dry well? Or being on your way to serve as a slave in a foreign country? If you have had a dream, you have also experienced a 'dry well' and or a 'detour'. What happens to your dreams when things are not working out as you thought? Do you give up on your dreams?

Joseph's life serves as a reminder, that God will work out His will even when we can't see how that is even possible. Don't give up on your dreams, but more importantly don't give up on God! We will talk about it this Sunday

Ashes to Fire Video Devotional - Day 2

2011-03-10T10:23:00.000-08:00

Salvation and Strength

2011-03-08T08:53:00.000-08:00

Isaiah reminds us in the 30th chapter that there are some differences in regard to our views of God. Some are content with their own paths. They tire of anyone saying to them to turn to God. Isaiah 30:11 "Leave this way, get off this path, and stop confronting us with the Holy One of Israel!" They were telling the prophet, we are tired of prophets who tell us to turn to God, who admonish us that we are heading down the wrong path. They did not see themselves as the problem, but rather the prophet was the problem. The answer: quit telling us to turn to God. Turning to God is not of interest to us, we are irritated by you telling us to turn in a heavenward direction. Confrontation is a negative word in our world. It was not the truth of the prophets message that concerned them, but rather the messenger that preached the message. Quit confronting us with God and God-talk. We are content to live our lives our way! Things have not changed much in this regard down through the centuries.

Isaiah did not stop speaking for the Lord, even though doing so was not popular. If he had quit because of the crowd, we would have not received some of the greatest words of comfort found in the Bible. Isaiah says "This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel says: "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength,"

Notice two things: Repentance and Rest. Repentance brings salvation. This has always been God's plan. It is not something we have thought up or concocted on our own. To be saved we need a Savior. We must repent and receive it by faith.

Rest. When you have made peace with God, you don't have to work at all of the things we tend to strive for, success, acceptance, peace, and security. These come from God and when we are in right relationship with Him, we can fully experience rest. Rest, from striving, achieving and succeeding. Isaiah tells us there is a marvelous benefit to spiritual rest: Trusting God with and for everything.
There are two more important words in this verse: quietness and trust. Quietness is not here speaking of personality type, but rather the quiet confidence that is a part of the believers rest. I don't have to make a lot of noise if I am overlooked, not valued by people, I have a quiet confidence in the God who loves me and promises to take care of me. Trust is partnered with quietness. Have you learned to trust God? I mean really trust Him? Trust Him when you would like to run and scream? Trust Him when you do not understand what He is up to in your life at the moment? The result of repentance and rest, quietness and trust is strength. Our strength comes from the Lord.

During this past week, in some difficult circumstances and situations, I have learned that our strength comes from being grounded in the faith.

Thank you for your prayers and concerns, God is working and He is to be praised.

There is a River Part Two

2011-03-03T09:09:00.000-08:00

Some time ago, I posted an article describing my life by using one of the rivers that runs through my home town. The Maumee River. This past week I have made numerous trips on Highway 24 in Ohio and Indiana, this road basically follows the path of the Maumee river. I wont go into the details of the river but as I pass along its banks I am forced to reflect on my life. Last week, my wife and I went to a conference hosted by our denomination in Louisville Kentucky, from there we went to Decatur Illinois to visit her parents who live in the flat farm land of central Illinois. We then travelled to Columbus Indiana where my wife spoke at a women's retreat. At the conclusion of the retreat we made our way north back to where it all began for me, Fort Wayne, Indiana. In Indiana's second largest city, this is the place where I discovered America. My sister had been in the hospital since January 26th. My wife and I arrived at the hospital and had a great visit with her and my other sister. After some time we all gathered around the bed held hands and prayed. We commented on our way home, how good she looked, and how pleasant the conversation and our time together. Little did I know that this would be the last conversation. Have you ever reflected on conversations? What would we say if we knew that our present conversation was going to be our last conversation? I kissed her and told her I loved her not knowing that would be the last time I would ever see her on earth. As we made our way back to Michigan, we followed the path of the Maumee river, not much of a river at is beginning in northern Indiana, but by the time it arrives near Toledo, it is a fairly impressive river. It is beautiful and larger as it makes it way to the Great Lake where it will empty its content. Our lives are not real impressive in the beginning, but as we wind our way through the world, we too will deposit our contents on others. We will spill over the banks of our lives onto to those around us, and especially our families.

I never dreamed travelling home on Sunday night that I would in a few hours make a return trip to help assist the family with funeral preparations and gather together to comfort and support one another. Life is not laid out of us like a blueprint. It is more like placing our hand in the hand of our Heavenly guide and taking one step and then another. Our family like most families is one with complications, closets, compartments, collisions, confusion, and community, and continuation, compassion, caring, and crying. It is at the end of one's life when we really stop and evaluate or take stock.
My sisters and I have really connected in the last few years. We share a story mostly known only to us, and because we know the same story, we have been able to offer grace, and consolation unlike any offered to us by anyone else but the Lord.
Life is uncertain, I have been painfully reminded again, painfully reminded to live each day in the present, and in the presence of the Lord. I have learned never leave something unsaid, if it needs to be said, say it today! Diana was generous, loving, gregarious and loyal. She like me and all of you reading this post, full of faults, but she had made peace with God and with life and she moved on! As she and I discussed these things called 'past' this last summer, we are survivors, and God has allowed us to be over comers.
She offered grace to me and I to her, because perhaps there are things that she and I know about our separate situations that bind us together. At the end she taught by her life: 'it is far better to love than to hate.' 'To forgive, is better than to harbor bitterness.' She loved her two children Nicole, and Kyle and her two grandchildren D.J. and Ayva.
I am so glad that we were able to spend time together in these last few years.

Since I am a preacher, a sort of professional advice giver, let me leave you with this, "learn to forgive, forgive at least as much as you need to be forgiven". "Stop looking and complaining about everyone else, look at your own life, and take stock of changes you need to make." " Love others, and be a dispenser of grace." " Turn everything over to God and keep moving forward."
Thank you Diana, through your struggles you inspire me and challenge me to live in the present and not the past. Your love for your children and grandchildren, serve as a constant reminder of what is truly important. Your easy way of offering grace to others will be an inspiration for the rest of my days.

Please pray for our sister Debbie, she and Diana were inseparable, this will be very hard for her. Pray for Diana's children, Nicole and her husband Drew Walker and D.J. and Ayva. Diana's son Kyle,

Pray for me as I will be giving the funeral message. I am doing it because Diana would want me to, and I feel I must seek to communicate a message from both the Lord, and Diana.

Your greetings and condolences have been overwhelming, again I don't where I would be today with the family of God.

I am so thankful that I believe in Jesus and when he said "I am the Resurrection and the Life"

Valley or Mountain?

2011-02-19T12:23:00.000-08:00

Where does God work? Where do you sense Him the most? Where are you more likely to call upon Him? When do you feel the nearest to Him? I ask these questions for a couple of reasons: 1) Some of us tend to see God at work in certain situations and 2) Some of us believe our experiences are everyone's experience.

Mountains, tend to speak to us of the loftiness of God. Mountains represent those experiences and times when God is near, and we proceed from victory to victory. It seems God is present and we feel renewed and refreshed and totally in love with God. then again there are in this life valleys. A valley represents trials, lonely places, and difficulties. When we are trying to decide the best course of action, we struggle in the valley of decision. Valleys seem to represent times of discouragement, when the very mountain of victory itself seems to obscure the sunshine of God's love. If you would take a quick inventory, you would find that in your life there have been times of mountain climbing and valley walking sometimes one right after the other.

Again, I ask where do you see God? Is He the God of mountains or valleys? Before I belabor my point let me share a verse from 1 Kings 18:28. I do not recall having seen this verse before. Yes I know I have read it before, but it leaped from the page today:
1 Kings 20:28

28 The man of God came up and told the king of Israel, "This is what the Lord says: 'Because the Arameans think the Lord is a god of the hills and not a god of the valleys, I will deliver this vast army into your hands, and you will know that I am the Lord.'"

The Arameans thought that Israel's God was a God of hills. He only ruled in high places. I believe that we often give that impression to the people in our lives. When everything is going our way, we sing "Oh how I love Jesus." We walk around smiling and humming and telling everyone how great is our God! And we should! We may give the wrong impression to our neighbors that our God is only the God of good times. He is the God of the hills and mountains. He is also the God of valleys. There I said it. Let me say it again, He is the God of the valley. The Shepherd boy tells us in the twenty-third Psalm, that even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, even then I don't walk alone, He is with me. Looking back have you seen how God has worked in the valleys? It was in that place where I had to utterly depend upon God, and He proved Himself faithful all the way! You see our praise is not contingent on our surroundings, We praise Him on the mountain, and in the valley. In either place and all places in between He gives the grace and mercy to enable us to stand and not to fall.

Where ever you are today, you are in the right place to praise Him!

Jesus the One and Only!

2011-02-18T13:43:00.000-08:00

Jesus the One and Only. We Christians believe that Jesus is unique. Yet the word Unique does not do justice to what we really believe. The Apostles Peter and John sum it as they are standing before the Sanhedrin. Their crime? Healing a man crippled from birth in the name of Jesus. Given the opportunity before this august group, Peter preached a sermon. This event was precisely what Jesus was saying when he told them that the Spirit would fill their mouths when they were brought before the courts, and just as He promised Jesus always comes through! You can count on him. Like the Disciples we will have times of sudden trial. Will we stand strong and true? We are constantly reminded by the world that we should compromise our beliefs. After all this is a big world, with lots of ideas, and lots of belief systems. You know go along to get along. Don't be closed minded, we are told to sing and hold hands and get along. I am all for singing and I am for getting along, and I am in favor of kindness and consideration. What I am not interested in is compromising our core conviction. Well let me just let Peter state it for me:

Acts 4:12

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." There it is the great divider and the great uniter all in one. The Christ teaches plainly there is no other way to be saved. Jesus claims exclusivity. Do not for one moment think that this is not controversial in our day. This will offend people. It may offend some within your congregation. Yet, what can we do? We either will accept the words of Jesus, or we will not accept. I choose to accept Jesus, I am not able to do any less. I choose to take Christ at His Word. I have made that choice, but just as in John and Peters life, I must give a defense when folks ask me how can you believe Jesus is the only way to heaven? I want to follow the disciples pattern, they did not ask for an escape or more wisdom, they asked for courage! Notice what happens when you follow Christ and love Him and follow Him, it makes a difference in your life!

13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

Peter and John did point to themselves and their argumentation. What stood out even in this place was not who they were, but who their Savior is! Do people notice the Jesus difference in our lives?
My prayer is that Jesus will make a difference in my life. How about you! What a great testimony if others would see Jesus in our language and in all we do and say. Never forget that Jesus makes a difference. I want to show the Jesus difference to my world today!

Two Reasons Why People Do Not Listen? Really there are two!

2011-02-12T12:33:00.000-08:00

It is tucked away in the sixth chapter of Exodus. Moses is complaining to God about the Israelites complaining. I have detected a pattern. Complaining people drive us crazy, as a matter of fact it is our number one complaint. Moses who encountered God via a burning bush, has been enlisted by God for a great mission enterprise, namely the Exodus. God has communicated to Moses that He wants to set the people free and He is going to use Moses as his assistant. Moses begins to list the reasons why he is not the best choice. Not a very good speaker, not enough experience, what if they do not listen, a form of the Fear-of-failure movement. Moses did not feel himself worthy, or competent. If God has ever asked you to do something, I think you know how Moses felt. We all wonder why out of all the people in the world, God would choose us? Our credentials are lacking, we are fearful, there has to be someone who would jump at the opportunity to be used by God. For reasons known only to Him, God wants to use folks like you and me. He knows what He is doing!
The natural outcome of something like this, is to be concerned with the outcome. If God has asked us to do this, the last thing we want on our resume is the fact that we failed the Almighty.
Moses like us needed a lot of encouragement. Aaron went with him and was the official speech maker.
Moses soon came to understand something that we likewise come to understand: Things don't always go the way we planned, or envisioned.
Pharaoh hardened his heart, and the Israelites ignored him, or resented his intrusion. Moses actually made more work for the people, because of Pharaoh's anger at Moses, he orders the people to make the same amount of bricks they had been making, but now they would have to gather their own straw. So, in the minds of the Israelites, Moses did not come to help them, but instead he was making more work for them. You know how we love people who create more work for us.

In the midst of Moses meandering grumble session with God concerning the Israelites, this statement is found:
Ex 6:9

Moses reported this to the Israelites, but they did not listen to him because of their discouragement and cruel bondage.

The two reasons the people would not listen was because they were discouraged and because they were experiencing cruel bondage. How many times have I not received a Word from the Lord, because I was discouraged. There have been times because of the bondage and problems I have faced that I have not been open to receive direction from the Lord.
What do we do about this problem? First, face the reality. There are times of discouragement. We cannot park here, or pitch our tents here, we must allow the Scripture and the Holy Spirit and godly counsel to be an encouragement to us. We must guard our hearts from the bondage of our present circumstances and not allow them to keep us from hearing the voice of God. We cannot allow present circumstances to keep us from being encouraged in the Lord.
Are there things today keeping you from hearing what God wants to say to you? Look to Him!
This also reminds us of the important ministry of encouragement. Find someone today to encourage.

Burden or Load Which is it?

2011-02-02T13:57:00.000-08:00

Have you ever felt overwhelmed? Did you ever wish someone from somewhere would come along side and help with the load? I was reading in my quiet time today from the 6th chapter of Galatians...

Gal 6:1-5

Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, 5 for each one should carry his own load.

Paul is telling the church to gently restore the brother caught in sin. This year in my Bible reading I have been surprised how many times we are reminded that we Christians are to be in community. In other words, we are not on our own. We tend to see community as something that will hold us back, when in essence it is something that will lift us up. As a community of believers we are to be encouraging as well as to have others encourage us. I think the word that sums up the first verse of Galatians 6 is accountability. Sin is a serious matter, it cannot be hidden or handled off in a corner somewhere. There has been some sin exposed in the church where I pastor, I am afraid American Christians are confused. We read this verse and think that if someone is caught in sin, we ignore the sin, or marginalize it, or after all Oprah and Dr. Phil have taught us to give everything a therapeutic handle. After all the person has a problem, They are not responsible, their parents, the school system, the church or society or perhaps all of these have contributed to the persons deficiency. With that in mind there is no reason to confess or repent, just blame others, that will suffice. The "restore him gently" part of the verse means for many today we will just over look, or ignore after all, 'can't we all just get along?' There is only one thing to do with sin. Confess it, and repent! Two things that are hardly ever discussed in polite company.
Another reason for the community aspect of our faith is, seeing sin in others lives, should give us pause. We should be careful lest we stumble and succumb to sin. Seeing someone else struggle and fail, should cause us not to have feelings of pride in ourselves, but instead renew our desire to depend upon God. The 'therefore but by the grace of God go I.' Examples in the Bible work both ways. There are examples to follow, and examples to flee from!
Also Paul makes a great distinction in this passage:
Gal 6:2

Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
and
Gal 6:5

for each one should carry his own load.

Paul is saying that in life we are given burdens. They can come suddenly, and they may stay for awhile, but living in Christian community I must help carry the burden's of others. By doing so I show forth Christ's love. There have been times in my life when the burdens have grown quite heavy. In those times, God has sent someone into my life to help me, to encourage and pray for me as well. I need to be sensitive to the needs of fellow believers, and I must be a burden bearer.
Paul says in verse 5, a corrective word. Yes we need help with the burdens of life, but everyone has a load to carry. There are some things that are a part of my load as I pass through this world, the load is mine. I am not being picked on, everyone has a load. Many Christians get their burdens and their loads confused. We have bought into the idea that we should never have a problem, every day must be sunshine and roses. The fact is everyone is carrying a load. We cannot expect our brothers and sisters to carry their load and ours as well. The word for today is perspective. Burdens are burdens, loads are loads. I cannot expect others to do what God has called me to do. I cannot expect and then become angry when Christians refuse to solve my problems, run my errands, or do my job. That my friend is a part of my load.

Where would I be if it had not been for God and His people? I for one have had many a burden lifted. I would like to spend the rest of my life, helping to lift burdens alongside fellow believers. I would also like to carry my load victoriously and confidently. I can tell you from my latest episode and trial. When you get to the burden place, Jesus is always there and gives a peace and an assurance that changes everything.

I think I am going to sing all the verses of "Victory in Jesus" and call it a day!

Interruption or Divine Appointment?

2011-01-27T16:16:00.000-08:00

We live in a fast paced world with overbooked calendars. The last thing we need is an interruption. An interruption is not just an inconvenience to us, it is a major problem causing calendar catastrophes and major stress points. We have so filled our lives with things to do, mostly good things by the way that we have left no margin for our lives. Incidentally, one of the books I have read this past year was simply entitled Margins. The author of the book reminds us that it would be more cost effective to run the words clear to the end of the page, but no one would read that kind of a book. Our eyes need margins for rest. Margin less living is spending all of our time and money and energy to the point where we have nothing left to give, and then complain that we are tired, and live lives of quiet desperation.

In the third chapter of Acts, Peter and his friends are on their way to the prayer meeting, and along the way a man who we would call a professional beggar calls out to them for some money. We are told that the beggar staked out what he believed to be a premium spot. People on their way to religious services, what could be a better group to ask for some charity.

The disciples evidently were living lives with margin, because they stopped and helped the man. It was not the kind of help he was looking for, it was more than he ever imagined. You see we don't help a lot of people because we are always focused on what we don't have, and how much we are lacking. Many times people say if I had some money I would give it to help the poor. I would sure be able to make a difference if only I had more. We look at the needs and measure them by our puny resources, and become discouraged. We need to start measuring our problems by God's resources. The disciples said "silver and gold we don't have.." I am sure at that point the man was saddened. No resources, no help. Peter had figured something out since the day of Pentecost. It did not matter what he was lacking, he knows a God that is without lack. I may not have money, but what I have I give to you. I have Jesus! The world is not so much in need of my silver and gold, as it s in need of Jesus.

I do not believe this man was an interruption, I believe he had a divine appointment set by God Himself. Tomorrow I believe we may have an encounter with someone that needs something that money can't buy, they need to be reconciled to God.

It is not what you wish you had that the world needs, the world needs the Jesus that is in your heart!

Radical: Be Prepared to Be Challenged

2011-01-24T04:10:00.000-08:00

By way of disclaimer, I received a free copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah Press. I agreed to read the book and post a review. This book was easy to read, and hard to accept. I found it both challenging and disturbing at the same time. You should know that I highly recommend that you read this book. David Platt is a mega-church pastor. His transparency made the book's tougher portions more palatable when you realize that he is questioning many things he is a part of, and participating in. Listen to his words: "soon I realized I was on a collision course with an American church culture where success is defined by bigger crowds, bigger budgets, and bigger buildings."
He continues to talk about hearing what Jesus said, and then the tougher part, "am I going to obey what Jesus says, or am I going to walk away content with the American dream, more than biblical obedience?"

Platt's remark that we have traded the radical nature of our faith, for what is comfortable resonated with me. We want Jesus to fit into our lives and culture to the point that we rarely if ever think about adjusting ourselves to words of Christ. I found the book absolutely convicting. As with all books that challenge us, some things may have been overstated, but overall I found his book a needed corrective to the corrosive nature of American Culture prevalent in Evangelical churches.

His book was so disturbing to the status quo, that I found myself reading and then rereading certain passages in order to get my mind and heart wrapped around certain concepts.

I found the conclusion of the book and the "One year experiment" to be something that we should all undertake.
Here is what he suggests as a one year experiment:
1 Pray for the entire World. His suggestion at this point is very good.
2. Read through the Entire Word
3 Sacrifice your money for a specific purpose
4 Spend your time in another context
5 Commit your time to a multiplying community

What would happen in our lives and the lives of our families and congregations, if we all participated in this one year radical experiment. I am inspired to try, I would recommend you read the book and see what the Lord says to you.

I highly recommend you read this book

God is My Rock

2011-01-22T10:30:00.000-08:00

God is my Rock! David wrote these words of praise, really it is a lyric that he composed, a song of praise. It is first found in our Bibles in 2 Samuel 22. David expresses praise and thanks to the Lord, for delivering him from the hand of his enemy Saul. It is also found in Psalm 18. I will be preaching from this Psalm tomorrow. I am saying it this way, 'because God is a rock, He is my Source!'
I am reminded that I cannot make it on my own. I don't have the strength, stamina, smarts, or sophistication to solve my problems, let alone the problems of others. You don't have to worry, our God is a rock, He is indeed our source! Before David begins his Spirit-inspired composition, he reminds us that though he is presently the king, he identifies himself as "the servant of God." It matters not who you are and what you do, great or small, our significance is not from ourselves, it is from God. There is no higher calling in the world than to be identified as a "a servant of God." The first priority in life, is to rightly order things. The order does not begin with us, but with God! God is to be first! Remember the highest honor is to be a servant of the Lord, then whatever you are and where ever you are, you have life in it's proper perspective.

David reminds us in verse 1 that God's love for us is still the crowning grace of life. Someone said that if you want to be wise read the Proverbs; if you want to be godly and holy, then read the Psalms. Psalm 18 also reminds us that all of the gifts of God lead us to praise and worship the giver of them, God!

David says that when we are hemmed in, the port is blocked, blocked by our enemies, blocked by sorrow, blocked by discouragement, and blocked by fear, there is something we must remember. Prayer is able to escape the blockade, and make it to the ports of heaven. And in heaven, there is a God who loves us and cares about us, and He has all power to redeem, rescue and bring relief to our hearts and lives.

Remember our God is a Rock! Powerful, Stable, Strong, and he cares about you.

A Tent and an Altar

2011-01-18T04:47:00.000-08:00

As I am working my way through Genesis as a part of my devotional reading this year. I have come to see two words that pretty much sum up Abraham's life. As a matter of fact, there is something happening in our community called E.A.C.H. This stands for "everyone a chance to hear." Everyone should have a chance to hear the Gospel. One of the things I am hearing from this emphasis is, 'how can you sum up your testimony in two words?' When I first heard this, I questioned how one could sum up their relationship with the Lord in two words?

Yet, as I am reading about Abraham, I see how his life with God can be summed up in two words. I will show you two verses:

Gen 18:1-2

The Lord appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day.
NIV
Gen 13:4
4 and where he had first built an altar. There Abram called on the name of the Lord
NIV

There are the two words that describe Abraham's life and walk with God. Tent and altar. These two words accurately remind us of what was important to Abraham.

First, the tent. The tent represents the nomadic life that Abraham lived. We first encounter Abraham, and God calls him to leave kin and country, and Abraham trusts God and obeys. As a result of trusting God and following Him, he will live the rest of his life in tents. A tent signifies that our living here is temporary. Our permanent home is with God. How many of our troubles come because we think this is all there is? We have far too often settled down and become much to comfortable here. This world really is not our home, we are indeed just passing through. Abraham's faith afforded him the perspective of eternity. When you have eternity in mind, you realize that the only thing permanent is God! For Abraham a tent represented mobility. He never would allow himself to become so comfortable that he would not respond to the moving of God in his life. Abraham's tent is to be a reminder for me about where have I settled in my life? Am I trying to make everything here and now permanent? Am I willing to change direction as God leads?

An altar. Abraham built altars to commemorate encounters with God. Altars became tangible reminders of the invisible God, who though mostly unseen, is more real than anything that is seen in our world. Altars became for Abraham the place where you surrender everything to God, including his son of promise Isaac. Altars would serve as a reminder to him that God always provides. The altar was a place of worship, praise, commitment, trust, and obedience. Are there altars in your life? Reminders of God's protection, presence and peace.

I believe Abraham's life could be summed up in these two words 'tent' and 'altar'

What two words would be your testimony?

The Gospel

2011-01-15T18:36:00.000-08:00

I have begun a new practice this year. I have started the year with a new Bible. It has no markings or highlights, it has never been used until this month. I am reading each day a chapter from four different places in the Bible. My goal is to read through the Bible this year. I have done this before, but something has happened by not using my usual 'devotional' Bible. I am reading the passages and really reading them, my eyes do not automatically fall to the previously highlighted passages, instead I am reading with fresh eyes. This year has brought me some new challenges, and they too have informed my reading. Every day a 'word from the Lord' has jumped off the page and lodged deeply in my heart.

I am preaching tomorrow about the Gospel. I have been preaching in the book of Acts this year. God has reminded me of several things. We are to see that the Gospel is preached and proclaimed. I have also been reminded that the Holy Spirit is available and willing to help us. The church is not an organization dedicated to sustaining the memory of Jesus. Jesus is here with us! It is not my church or your church, it is Jesus' Church. In the book of Acts we are told that even when we make mistakes, God redeems our mistakes and brings blessing out of chaos.
Acts tells that fellowship is not be our sole focus, the pastor is not the focus, the music is not the sole focus, God and God alone is to be the focus of the church.

Remember whatever you are facing Jesus is Lord now and Forevermore!!

At that time....

2011-01-04T14:23:00.000-08:00

What time is it? A question we all ask, and a question that is directed at us as well. Time is an important commodity. When it is gone it's gone. We can't bring it back, and try a do over, or a Mulligan. All of my life I have heard of the importance of time, the first half of my life, I assumed I had a lot of time. Yeah, I know I should....you fill in the blank. But, I have plenty of time. Time is on my side. It dawned on me just a short while ago, that approximately 2/3 of my ministry is behind me. How do I want to spend my days? I want my life to count for something. I really want it to count for the Lord.

Today in my devotions, I was reading the 4th Chapter of Genesis, I saw a verse that I have never noticed before: Gen 4:26

26 Seth also had a son, and he named him Enosh.
At that time men began to call on the name of the Lord.
NIV

Tucked away in the begets, you know what I mean in the who is daddy to whom section, I found this interesting phrase. "At that time men began to call on the name of the Lord. It does not make sense to me that Seth having a son named Enosh, was enough in and of itself, to cause men to call on the Lord. It seems to me at first read to be quite shall I say 'random?'

At that time... I think we believe it takes something mysterious to get us to call on the name of the Lord. An illness or a job loss, or a problem of some sort, and then we are compelled to call upon the Lord. Sometimes God does His best work in the spaces and places we call random. There are times when He bursts into my life in such powerful ways. The only explanation I can give is, that God loves His children, He is madly in love with us! Not because we are so lovable. But, rather because He is so loving!

By January 4th our lives have begun to settle back into the random routines of life. Gingerbread, fruitcake, tinsel, wrapping paper, Christmas movies, and crazy uncles are becoming distant memories. We are putting our heads down and are almost back to life as usual.

My prayer for you in 2011, is that this will not be just another year. This year will be the year, when just like Enosh's birth year, we will determine "at this time call on the Lord."

Today is a good day to seek Him and call on Him and decide regardless of what the year holds, we are going to serve Him and love Him, and seek to see others come to Him.

How about it, lets make 2011 a Genesis 4:26 kind of a year!

Are you going to fix things now!

2011-01-01T11:27:00.000-08:00

It is the question often left unspoken "God why don't you do something?" Though more times than not unspoken, it is certainly on the minds of many people. It is the question that it is mind when we sit in a Doctors office and hear the results of the test. God why don't you fix this! It is the question asked when we sit across the desk from our supervisor and he hands us a pink slip and informs us that the company is heading in a different direction and our services are no longer needed. Why doesn't God do something when a spouse informs his mate that he is no longer in love and he walks out the door. The listing of times when this question arises would be too numerous to name them all.

It is an old question. Even the disciples asked the familiar question. They asked Jesus just before he ascended to heaven, Acts 1:6

"Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?"

They had faith to believe that He was the Son of God, the way they asked the question was filled with faith. They believed if He desired He could restore the kingdom to Israel. They were saying to Jesus in essence, 'are you going to fix things now?!'
Jesus told the disciples that their biggest need was to wait. Wait! Wait, I am tired of waiting. We want results and right now. It makes a difference how you hear what Jesus is saying. If you hear him saying I will fix things you are just going to have to wait. or I will fix things, you just wait!
Waiting is not passive but active. Waiting is all about time. In English we have one word for time. In the Greek of the New Testament there are at least two words for time. Kairos, and Chronos. Chronos has to do with the unfolding of time. Seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months and years, this is 'chronos' time. Kairos has to do with the 'right time'. As they say timing is everything. This year would be a great time to realize our lives are in His hands. We will wait and seek His timing.

Make no mistake about it, God is going to fix things, You just wait!!!

Happy New Year!

2010-12-31T15:47:00.000-08:00

A fresh start, a new beginning, put a period at the end of the sentence, and then turn the page and start over. All of these phrases are ways we try to describe the end of the year and the start of another year. What kind of a year did you experience this past year? For some it was a great year, for others we would just as soon see it end. Of course none of us know what the new year will hold for us, from the vantage point of today, we can only hope and trust for the best.

I am starting a series from the book of Acts this Sunday. I will ask the question 'what do you do while you are waiting?' Well, the need today is the need to wait, wait for God's timing. Not just waiting, but waiting on the Holy Spirit. Too many times we limit ourselves, by only relying upon ourselves. What could happen in my life this new year, if I wait for the Holy Spirit. I would see dramatic changes in my life, if I sought the power and help of the Holy Spirit.

The disciples wanted Jesus to straighten things out right now. Are you going to set things right at this time? Jesus told them to not worry about things out of their control, instead do nothing until you are baptized with the Holy Spirit. I have a notion that we have decided that it is better to be baptized with power, money, power and stuff, This seems more appealing to us than to be baptized with the Holy Spirit. We want to take charge and do things our way.

Join with me for the New Year and let us tarry and wait upon the Lord, and then move ahead with His power. Whatever the year has in store for us, one thing is certain, with His power we can make it!!

Here is the passage from Acts:

Acts 1:1-11

In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."
6 So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?"
7 He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.
10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."
NIV

Happy New Year, I pray that you will experience a Blessed and grace-filled New Year!

Living In The Grace Period.

2010-12-27T08:10:00.000-08:00

Grace period Living! It is here. I am not talking about the grace period that your mortgage and credit card company allows you. I am talking about God's grace. We are down to the last few hours of 2010. You might want to spend a few moments reflecting on all that has happened this year. The good, the bad and the in-between of 2010. 'Twas grace that brought us safe thus far." There were times this year when you wondered if you would make it! You have made it! God has brought you through! Spend some time before the year passes and celebrate the grace of God that has led you safe thus far.
The second part of that lyric from Newton's hymn Amazing Grace states "and grace will lead us home." We are on the front porch awaiting a New Year. None of us know what is going to happen in the New Year. But, we do know in fact that God will lead us through. We are living in the Grace period.
Luke 13:6-16

6 Then he told this parable: "A man had a fig tree, planted in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it, but did not find any. 7 So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, 'For three years now I've been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven't found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?'

8 "'Sir,' the man replied, 'leave it alone for one more year, and I'll dig around it and fertilize it. 9 If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.'"

10 On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, 11 and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. 12 When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, "Woman, you are set free from your infirmity." 13 Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God.

14 Indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, the synagogue ruler said to the people, "There are six days for work. So come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath."

15 The Lord answered him, "You hypocrites! Doesn't each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? 16 Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?"

NIV

In the parable that Jesus tells, He has the owner say about the fig tree, it has not produced fruit, co cut it down. The worker in the vineyard says, give it one more year. I will dig around the roots, and fertilize it, if nothing happens in the year cut it down.

Notice a few things, Grace means another chance. Grace means someone intercedes. Grace does have it's limits. We are now living in a grace period. Someday it will come to an end. As the hymn writer said, "time will be no more." Grace is not license, it is not overlooking, it is God's unlimited love, expressed through His mercy. We don't deserve it, but He brings it to us.

I also thought about the fig tree representing the idea of change. What needs to be different in your life one year from now? If it is going to happen, you have to begin in earnest right now! What needs some fertilizer in your life? How about committing to read the Bible every day, how about committing to prayer. Getting into a Bible study would be a great way to see some changes in your life this year. Perhaps spending more time with your family, or developing a skill or taking up a hobby. Whatever you want to see happen in your life in 2011 you must start planning right now.

Happy New Year

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T06:01:00.000-08:00

My favorite service of the year is our Christmas Eve service. It is an hour every Christmas Eve when we gather with our family and friends, and truly seek to keep Christ at the center of the celebrating. If you are in metro Detroit, we would love to have you join us, the service begins at 6:30 PM. Tonight I will read the story of "Silent Night" to the children, we will have special music and communion. I will preach a message from Luke 2. The service concludes with us singing a few carols by candle light. I will be asking what should our response to Christmas and the coming of Christ be.
Our Christmas Eve service begins when it is dark outside, reminding us of the dark world in to which Christ came. We could not find our way or see any hope or future. Then He came! In our part of the world it is cold on Christmas Eve, serving as a reminder that it is a cold world without Christ. He is a consuming fire! He brings warmth and hope and peace. The greatest gift Christ brings is the forgiveness of sins and full and free salvation. There are so many exciting aspects of our celebration, but as Christians it is nice to enter Christmas day, in the right frame of mind and spirit: Christ the Lord is come!
Wherever you are and how ever you plan on spending Christmas, I want to extend to you a most Merry Christmas. I pray God's blessing upon you and your family.

Why not stop whatever you are doing right now, and the read the story again, I know it is an old story, but it still remains the greatest story ever told. God Bless you

Luke 2:1-20

2 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to his own town to register.

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 "Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

NIV

What Child Is This?

2010-12-19T15:48:00.000-08:00

A baby? God comes to earth as a child? Can this be true? How do we make sense of this? We feel like the Christmas Carol Writer, who asked the ultimate question:

"What Child Is This?
What Child is this who, laid to rest

On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom Angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?
[CHORUS]
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and Angels sing;
Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

He is no ordinary baby, He is the Savior, the Lord, the Redeemer! The writer of Hebrews tells us the answer to the question "What Child is This?'

Heb 1:1-4

In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. 4 So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.
NIV

This passage reminds us that our God is a God who speaks. He desires to communicate. He has spoken through the prophets. During our 'Experiencing God' series this fall, we discovered that God desires to communicate with His creation. He spoke through a burning bush, he spoke through dreams, He spoke through a still small voice, but now He has spoken through His Son. Jesus is God's final Word! It is Christ who made the universe. He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things. The book of Hebrews reminds us that after He had provided for the purification of our sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Father. There were no seats in the temple. The reason is simple, in those days sacrifices had to be made continually. Jesus can sit down, because "it is finished." No more sacrifices need to be made. Jesus provided the sacrifice for our sins. Let me say it again, "It is finished."

Do you know Jesus? This morning I preached from Hebrews 1, I closed by reminding our congregation that Christ was mentioned in every book of the Bible. What Child is this, He is Christ the Lord!

Christ in the Bible

Genesis He is the promised seed.

Exodus He is the great I Am; He is the Guide who Delivers His people

Leviticus He is the Sacrificial lamb

Numbers He is the one we look to and live (the brazen serpent)

Deut. He is prophet like Moses

Joshua He is the Captain of the Lord’s host

Judges He appears as an angel of the Lord

Ruth He is the Kinsmen Redeemer

Samuel He is the Son of David

Kings & Chron. He is the one greater than Solomon

Ezra He is the one with a righteous Hand

Nehemiah He is the one who brings the people back from captivity. He is the builder of broken

Esther He is the unseen Hand

Job He is the Living Redeemer

Psalms He is the Messiah

Proverbs He is Wisdom

Eccl. He is the Truth

Song of He is the Rose of Sharon

Songs

Isaiah He is the Wonderful Counselor, The Might God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of

Peace. He is the suffering Servant

Jeremiah He is the Lord our Righteousness

Ezekiel He is the Prince who enters the Eastern Gate

Daniel He is the Ancient of Days

Hosea The Loving husband of Gomer

Joel He is the one who roars in Zion

Amos He is the one who is Standing above the altar

Obadiah He is the humbler of the proud

Jonah He is the one concerned for the lost

Micah He is the ruler of Israel

Nahum He is our stronghold in the day of wrath

Habakkuk He is the Lord in His Holy Temple

Zephaniah He is the Lord in our midst

Haggai He is the Desire of Nations

Zechariah He is the one Wounded in the House of His friend

Malachi He is the son of Righteousness

Matthew He is the King of the Jews

Mark He is the servant

Luke He is the Son of Man

John He is the Son of God

Acts He is the Lord of the Church

Romans He is the One who justifies

1 Cor He is the first fruits from among the dead

2 Cor He is the unspeakable Gift

Galatians He is the seed of Abraham

Ephesians He is the Head of the church

Philippians He is the God who supplies all of my needs

Colossians He is the one who is preeminent

1 & 2 Thess He is the soon returning Lord

1 Timothy He is God in the flesh

2 Timothy He is the righteous Judge

Titus He is the blessed Hope

Philemon He is the one who sets slaves free

Hebrews He is the Great High Priest

James The Judge Standing at the Door

1 Peter He is the Great Shepherd of the Sheep

2 Peter He is the Day Star rising in our hearts

1 John He is our Advocate

2 John He is the confession of the one who is true

3 John He is the source of our prosperity

Jude He is the one who returns with ten thousands of His Saints

Revelation He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. The King of Kings and Lord of Lords

If you still do not recognize Him the angel said to Joseph in Matthew 1:21 “And His name shall be called Jesus for He will save His people from their sin.”

What Child is This? This...This is Christ the Lord!!

Here comes....Here comes.....

2010-12-15T10:48:00.000-08:00

This is my favorite album of all time. When I was a child, I asked my grandmother to let me play this album all of the time. I had all of the songs memorized. No modern child would even know who Gene Autry is, let alone the songs he made very famous. You do hear his rendition of" Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer," which for many years has been the second most popular Christmas song right after Bing Crosby's "White Christmas."
The picture of the album above which was released in 1961, soon became my favorite. I played this album at least once a day and the closer we got to Christmas, I played it several times a day. Rudolph and Here Comes Santa were two of my favorites, interestingly enough there are several carols on this album. Here are the songs on this album: Rudolph, The Red Nosed Reindeer, Nine Little Reindeer, Jingle Bells, Here Comes Santa Claus, Up On The House Top, Sleigh Bells, O Little Town Of Bethlehem, Silent Night, Joy To The World, We Wish You A Merry Christmas, Away In A Manger, What Child Is This?

Even though my home was very devout. I have to admit that I loved "Here Comes Santa Claus" the best. I have to admit that there is a peculiar mixture of religious and secular imagery contained within this song. Here are the lyrics

:Here comes Santa Claus,

Here comes Santa Claus,
Right down Santa Claus Lane,
Vixen and Blitzen and all his reindeer
Pullin' on the reins.
Bells are ringin', children singin',
All is merry and bright.
So hang your stockings and say your prayers,
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight.
Here comes Santa Claus,
Here comes Santa Claus,
Right down Santa Claus Lane,
He's got a bag that's filled with toys
For boys and girls again.
Hear those sleigh bells jingle jangle,
Oh what a beautiful sight,
So jump in bed, and cover your head,
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight.
Peace on earth will come to all,

If we just follow the light,
So let's give thanks to the Lord above
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight,
So let's give thanks to the Lord above
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight.

This song still ranks in the top 25 most popular Christmas songs. Gene Autry himself wrote the words, in response to being in the Hollywood Christmas Parade, he rode on his horse right in front of the float which carried Santa Claus. He heard many children shouting, 'here comes Santa Claus', so he thought it would be a good title for a Christmas song.
Notice how he mixes Santa Claus with the sacred. ...So hang your stockings and say your prayers,...,Peace on earth will come to all, If we just follow the light, So let's give thanks to the Lord above 'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight..

I know we Christians don't like mixing paganism and Christianity. Before we are saved we are "pagans". Christ loves pagans, He came to save them!! We are not always comfortable with 'hang your stockings and say your prayers.' Yet, I think this is really how life works! I am not always purely spiritual, I am a mixture of both human and a redeemed child of God. Life is sort of about making a living and serving the Lord, about worship, and changing the oil in the car. It is about celebrating the gift of Christ, and shopping for gifts for those on my list, and so on. "Peace on earth will come to all, if just follow the light." Gene Autry really made a powerful statement. If we would all follow the Light of the World Jesus, we will have Peace. Many though would not approve of his next statement. 'So let's give thanks to the Lord about, 'cause Santa Claus come tonight.'

The Lord and Santa Claus, how does that work? I know I am treading into some dangerous territory. Christians may or may not be concerned about AIDS, hunger, poverty, ignorance, terrorism, physical abuse, children placed in the sex slave industry,etc. But mention Santa Claus and many Christians become enraged. I know there are a lot of bad things, upsetting things that Christians should be concerned about, but Santa Claus? Okay, okay, I hear the mail man's footsteps as he delivers my bag of angry email responses. Before you stop reading, ask yourself, 'how much energy do I have?' Save your energy for things that are far weightier. I know very few things are weightier than Santa Claus, but I am meaning important.
I will close by just saying if you are upset with me, "just hang your stockings and say your prayers, because you know what's next......

In other words, Lighten UP! And Celebrate Jesus!!

How to Deal with Negative Feedback

2010-12-13T06:45:00.000-08:00

How to Deal with Negative Feedback

A great blogpost from Nelson Scearcy. It is mostly directed to pastors, but I believe it is good for all of us.

Ron Blake

You Can Learn a Lot from Wise People

2010-12-13T06:17:00.000-08:00

We really don't know that much about the wise men. We sing a wonderful Christmas Carol "We Three Kings of Orient Are." The fact is, we don't know if there were three, we don't know if they were from the orient exactly, and we are not sure they were actually Kings, but it is a great song? What do we know? We know they travelled a long way perhaps from Persia, which is modern Iran. Some estimate that they travelled somewhere between 500 and 1000 miles. There was no Delta Airlines, no Amtrak, and no Greyhound bus line. They came by camel. This would be a very difficult arduous and long trek. It is interesting that though they lived a long way from Bethlehem and Jerusalem, they had a working knowledge of the Bible. They had studied stars and realized the star of Bethlehem was no ordinary star. They were willing to follow and investigate for themselves, to see if there was a baby born who would be King of the Jews. How amazing it is that those who had studied the Scriptures and had been waiting for the Messiah for so long never come and investigated for themselves. Jerusalem to Bethlehem is about 5 miles and those closest to where Christ was born seem to take it for granted. Those who are long way away, make the journey.

I have been in church all of my life, I do not want to be like the people of Jerusalem at the time of Christ's birth. They were so close to the truth, that they grew smug and satisfied. Do not let that be said of us today.

You can learn from Wise men, that the journey to Christ is worth the time and effort.
You can learn from Wise men, that the journey to Christ will lead to worship.
You can learn from Wise men, that the proper response to worship is to give. They gave gifts that were fit for a King, a Priest, a Risen Savior. The greatest gift that we can give to the Savior is the gift of our lives. He just wants you! Nothing more and nothing less!

You can also learn from Wise men that we cannot find the Lord without being helped by the Lord. It took more than their scholarship and desire, they were aided by God through the star. The Bible says that none of us can come to the Lord unless the Holy Spirit draws us to Him.

Wise men can teach us another wonderful truth. The search for Christ, never, ever disappoints.

Have you learned the lessons of the Wise men?

Take a moment and read Matthew's account of the visit of the Wise Men:
Matt 2:1-12

2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."

3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. 5 "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written:

6 "'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,

are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;

for out of you will come a ruler

who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'"

7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him."

9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

NIV

25 Days 26 Ways to Make This Your Best Christmas Ever

2010-12-11T06:10:00.000-08:00

During the Christmas season I have been recommending some books that I think would make great gifts. This book by Ace Collins has been a blessing to me. If you attend the church where I pastor you will note that I have incorporated some of the stories into my sermons. I love the way he takes the customs of Christmas and traces them back to their Christian roots. He also gives great suggestions for families to begin new "traditions." His book is positive and I paused several times while reading this book and did some reflecting. Reflecting is one way in which I find a book to have a positive influence on me. I wanted to send this out, because Christmas is almost here. The book has a format where you could read a chapter a day during December and it has a devotional quality. If you are looking for a new way to celebrate Advent with your family, I believe this book could be used as a catalyst to see Christmas and Advent not only differently but from a positive perspective. I have included a review by another person as well. Oh..Merry Christmas!

This is a well-researched and thoughtful book. Collins goes into interesting detail as to the origins of many Christmas songs, decorations and traditions. One of my favorite chapters was where he describes the meaning of "The Twelve Days of Christmas". The book is jam packed with ways to make this holiday season your best ever. Much of the focus is on doing Christmas related activities as a family and serving others. He even includes recipes for Christmas treats.

Collins also writes about slowing down, not getting stressed and enjoying the season. However, if one were to put all the suggestions into place, I don't see how it would be possible to slow down! Also, many of his suggestions seemed to assume that family members would be willing participants in all these activities. I can picture larger and more hectic families where it would be very difficult to get everyone on the same page.

In summary, the book is full of history and ideas as to how to put a lot into the season so you'll get the most out of it. While it is probably unrealistic to follow all of his suggestions, there are a great amount to pick and choose from. They are also many great reminders as to what a special time of the year this can be.

The Magi What gives?

2010-12-10T12:16:00.000-08:00

What do we really know about the wise men? Not as much as we may think. We don't know if there were three, we don't know exactly where they are from either. Magi is the root word for magician They studied stars and were no doubt leaders and advisers to leaders.
There is a joke that has made the rounds, about how things would have been different if the wise men had been wise women instead. For instance they would not arrived months after Jesus birth, because if they were women they would have stopped and asked for directions. And if they had been women they would have cleaned up the stable so that Jesus would have had a cleaner birth place. Finally if the wise men had been women, they would have brought much more practical gifts, like diapers, and a casserole.

There are lessons to be learned from the wise men.

First they did not let distance keep them from finding Christ. we do not know exactly how far they travelled, most believe it was a journey somewhere between 500 and 1000 miles. Contrast that with the religious leaders in Jerusalem, who were not interested enough to travel the 5-6 miles to Bethlehem. Sometimes it is the ones who are farther away who are more interested in finding Jesus.

Another lesson learned is they were willing to follow God's direction even when they were not certain where they were going. We like to have everything figured out ahead of time. If you walk by faith, you put your trust in God and follow Him, just because you love and trust Him.

The wise men teach us that an encounter with Jesus always leads to worship. Worship is not passive it is active. Worship will involve sacrifice and giving. Worship never leaves us the same, it is always a blessing to worship.

The wise men also left changed. You cannot come into Christ's presence and not be changed. To be converted means to be changed. This Sunday morning I am going to look at the Wise men and see from Matthew 2, what we can all learn from the Wise men.

Merry Christmas.

2010-12-10T11:58:00.000-08:00

I just want to send out a quick book recommendation. This book is written by a very dear friend. I was able to read a copy before it was published. I highly recommend it. Don't let the prosperity part throw you. It is not what you think. I wish I would have had this information when I was younger. I am going to use part of it for my New Year's goals. I have included a link so that you can go directly to the website and order a copy. I highly recommend it.

http://www.the11beattitudesofprosperity.com/

It is beginning to look a lot like..........

2010-12-07T10:58:00.000-08:00

Margin: Restoring Emotional, Physical, Financial, and Time Reserves to Overloaded Lives

I have to start this Advent entry, with a recommendation of a book, entitled Margin. It is authored by Dr. Richard Swenson. Swenson is a medical doctor and as a Christian has a biblical worldview. The idea of margin comes from the place where we are most familiar with margins, books. It would save publishers a lot of money if they just placed the text from one side of the page to the other. It might be a wise thing to do, but no one would be able to read a book without margins. Margins give us breaks and rest. It rests the eyes and allows us to follow the text more easily. Just as there needs to be margins in a book, our lives must have margin as well.
We live in a world in which people are pushing the margins of life. We hurry our children and overload them with activities, and the whole time we say we are doing it for the kids. If you are going to be successful in business you must show up first and leave last. We spend more than we make, and leave no margins in our finances. The lack of margin has effect on our physical, spiritual and emotional well being. In the parts of the world where people enjoy "time saving" tools, does seem to be the parts of the world where people complain of not having enough time. I would recommend this book, and I would recommend that you buy it now. As you know I am devoted to my Kindle and this book is available on Kindle and is text to voice enabled. So as I did, you can listen to it through your ear buds at the gym. It is practical and very challenging. There are some places where I think the author might be a little over the top, i.e. not wearing a watch. etc. Overall I found this book helpful and thought provoking.

Even though Jesus was the Son of God and came to save us, He never seemed to be in a hurry, even the Messiah attended parties, listened to people and socialized. If you are too busy for relationships, family, God, my friend you are not only too busy, you are not even aiming in the right direction. Some day we will look back at all the things we worked for and stressed over, and realize that in the final analysis, they were not very important.

God, family, friends and people these must be our priorities.

I am thinking of starting an online reading club next year, and then blogging about it. Would you be interested in being a part of this, let me know, I would love to hear from you. Take the time buy and read the book Margin.

Jesus is for all Seasons

2010-11-30T15:12:00.000-08:00

Advent is here! It is a wonderful time of the year. Advent, the coming of Christ into the world needs to be celebrated. There is something exciting in and of itself, about waiting for something that is highly anticipated. The weeks before a vacation seen to pass slowly. One of the major joys of a vacation seems to be in the planning and anticipation leading up to the trip. Children get so excited about Christmas that the time leading up to December 25th seems to move for them in slow motion. The people of God had been waiting so long for the coming of the Messiah. Waiting so long, that they wondered if it would ever come to pass. We celebrate Advent not only to celebrate the coming of the Lord, but to remember and anticipate that He is coming again.

In my part of the world Advent seems to coincide with changing weather patterns. Though winter will not arrive officially for another three weeks, Advent seems to be one of the road markers on the march into winter. Seasons and Jesus. Many times we think of seasons as passages of our lives. Spring represents our youth, summer early adulthood, Autumn, our middle aged years, and Winter would correspond with our old age. That is the usual way of looking at the seasons of lives.

I downloaded a free Kindle book some time ago, and I just began reading it today. The Book is entitled "Spiritual Rhythm" Being with Jesus in every season of your life. It is written by Mark Buchanon. Mr. Buchanan does not use seasons as representative of seasons of our lives. He is describing seasons of our souls. He says that discipleship is about bearing fruit. How does fruit grow? it is produced in seasons?. The author reminds us that every season we go through has lessons to teach us, I have found the first few pages to be interesting and thought provoking. I need to know that even in unpleasant seasons I am able to learn and grow.

Advent means coming and waiting. As the season unfolds I want God to grow me and teach me. I am asking him to make me more fruitful.

Even so come Lord Jesus

Mary Pondered

2010-11-27T13:14:00.000-08:00

Mary, the unexpected messenger of Advent. She was just a young teen girl, so much of life ahead, and in one moment, everything changes. That is how God works! He changes things. He changes things in our lives for the better, many times though it does not feel better. As a matter of fact, many times it feels like heartbreak, or disappointment or even a lot like defeat. But we know that God is not just God in one moment of our lives, but He is God of all the moments of our lives. Mary had to feel that way. After all she was engaged, life was heading in a good direction. Then that angel showed up and everything changed.

Mary is an interesting person to think about as we begin Advent. In some parts of Christendom, she is elevated to a state of holy reverence. In other parts of Christendom, she is almost completely ignored. The fact is she is a major part of the story of Advent. She reminds us, that we are never too young to serve God, even serve Him in significant ways. She reminds us that God does use ordinary people. When God desires to use us, He finds us! Mary did not sign up for this responsibility, it came seeking for her. Mary reminds us that if we walk in obedience God will brings us through. Mary also reminds us that following Christ does not exempt us from heart ache and tears.

This first Sunday of Advent, we are going to look at Christmas through the eyes and experiences of Mary. What did she think? What did she do? How can she help us to see what serving God is really all about?

There is an interesting phrase in the Gospel of Luke, That Mary "treasured up these things and pondered them in her heart." All of things she heard the shepherds say, she received them as a treasure. She pondered them as well. To ponder is to deliberate, think, look at from different angles, to study and meditate. Mary pondered and through her life, would reflect on the words of the shepherds.

Luke 2:16-20

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
NIV

During this Advent season, let us renew our hearts by pondering the things that Jesus has said, and this season and always study, think and take seriously the Words of Christ.

Thanksgiving Living

2010-11-21T12:52:00.000-08:00

It is not just holiday! It should be a way of life! Thanksgiving that is. Gratitude is really the place to start. We usually have no problem identifying what we don't like. It is easy to develop the mindset of the critic. We have many times become professional complainers. Instead of trying to improve ourselves we excuse our own shortcomings and magnify the faults of others. We take every slight as a personal attack. We look for things to justify how we feel about individuals.

This week let us take a step back and take a deep breath and start a blessing journal. You don't have to write in it every day. How about finding a few things every week for which to be thankful.

Blessed are those that can give without remembering and receive without forgetting. -- Author Unknown--
We seem to get mixed-up, remembering things we should let go of and forget the things we should remember. Today I want to remember the people who have been a blessing to me. So many times I have been the recipient of the gracious acts of kindness from others. People who took the time and invested in me. People who gave an encouraging word just when I needed it, people who listened and gave good counsel. These are the real heroes of life.
Gratitude helps you to grow and expand; gratitude brings joy and laughter into your life and into the lives of all those around you.

What difference would it make in our lives if we made a conscious effort to be grateful and count our blessings? As Naomi Williams said "It is impossible to feel grateful and depressed in the same moment.
Let us stop thinking about what we don't have and start focusing on what we do have, "It isn't what you have in your pocket that makes you thankful, but what you have in your heart."-- Author Unknown--
Today where I preached, there were people who in recent days have had spouses, parents and children pass away. Today let us be thankful for our families. Many folks have lost their good health, today while you have your health, be thankful. There is always, always, always something for which to be thankful.

We have no control over some of the things that happen in our lives. But don't fool yourself, you do have control over how you react. To quote the late coach John Wooden, "Things turn out best for people who make the best of the way things turn out."

If you can not think of any reason to give thanks, Give thanks to the Lord, for His mercy endures forever!!

Thank You

2010-11-18T14:42:00.000-08:00

Thank you is something we are taught to say as a child. When someone does something kind or thoughtful for us, the natural response is to verbalize our appreciation.   This reminds me of a story from the Bible:
Luke 17:11-19

11 Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance 13 and called out in a loud voice, "Jesus, Master, have pity on us!"
14 When he saw them, he said, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were cleansed.
15 One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16 He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him — and he was a Samaritan.
17 Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18 Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" 19 Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well."
NIV

Jesus asks "were not all ten cleansed?" Only one came back to say Thank you. Only one came back and expressed his heartfelt appreciation to Jesus. What happened to the other nine? The one who came back was a Samaritan. Which reminds us that the ones who professed to be religious went on their way and did not come back and express their gratitude. Where am I in this story? Am I with the nine going merrily on way, oblivious to my need to be thankful. I would rather be like the one who made his way back to say Thank you Lord. Have you told the Lord today how thankful you are for His love?
Why did the nine lepers who were healed not come back and give their thanks to Jesus?

Nine reasons not to give thanks:
1. Jesus already knows we are thankful.
2. We have been isolated so long, we must go home and see our families.
3. The excitement of being healed so overwhelmed them that they forgot to go back and see Jesus.
4. He did not say we had to come back and say thanks.
5.  We think it is legalistic to have to ritually keep saying thank you.
6.  We are going to let our lives speak of our gratitude.
7.  We will send Jesus a note later on.
8.  We were so excited the time got away from us.
9.   We had so many people wanting to talk to us, we just could not go back and speak with Jesus
10. Being healed is so exhausting.

It is easy to find fault with others for not expressing their appreciation. Is gratitude a major part of our lives. Do we offer our thanksgiving and praise to the Lord? Are we too busy to be thankful? Have we cultivated a attitude of gratitude?

“If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is ‘thank you’, it will be enough.”

Meister Eckhart

“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.”
G.K. Chesterton

“God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say “thank you?”"
William Arthur Ward

“Gratitude is the memory of the heart.”
Jean Baptiste Massieu

Before we can cultivate a sense of gratitude for our outer world, we must cultivate a heart of praise and thanksgiving to God for His goodness and grace.   In a week we will celebrate our national holiday of Thanksgiving.   For the Christian every day is Thanksgiving.

The Leaves Are Falling

2010-11-15T08:51:00.000-08:00

If you live in a part of the world where there are distinct seasons, you know we are well into autumn. Autumn is a great time of the year. Cooler days and crisp evenings are a pleasant break from the dog days of summer. I have a large Norwegian Maple tree in my front yard. It is the last tree in the neighborhood to finally shed it's leaves. One year I did not get them all collected before our first snow fall here in Michigan. I did not see the ground until spring, and where the leaves had accumulated the grass died. Because of that experience, I am now quite dutiful in taking care of seasonal chores. If I am able to rake leaves today, I rake leaves today, I never know what tomorrow will bring. It is true of life as well. I don't know how many tomorrows are mine, therefore I must live fully today. Seasons in my part of the world are a constant reminder of change and movement. Certain seasons are more welcome than others. I like spring, love summer, enjoy autumn and dread winter! Each season is necessary, and nothing I do will stop them from coming. The Bible reminds us that there is a time and a season for everything.

Eccl 3:1-8

there is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate
,a time for war and a time for peace.
NIV
Seasons come and season go, but they are not with out meaning and purpose.
As we are in the Thanksgiving mode. I would like to make five applications about seasons:

1 Live in the season you are in! When you are young it is okay to be a kid! When we are children, we want to be teens, teens want to be adults, adults want to get married and have children, middle-aged folks want to retire. Be happy where you are.

2 Prepare for the next season. As seasons change here in the northern hemisphere, we have rituals of preparation. We start putting away this seasons clothing, and start bringing out the garments for the next season. We plant our gardens in spring for flowers in the summer, we put our gardens to bed in the fall, so that they can sleep during winter. Live well now, is the best preparation for the next season. Trusting God today prepares us for the next season.

3. Remember there is reason for every season. Even though we have a favorite season, today is the only vantage point I have in regard to the seasons of life. Childhood has a purpose, to grow and mature and learn. Early adulthood, middle age, and old age all have a purpose. Find it and seize it.

4. Seasons are a part of God's plan. The writer of Ecclesiastes says, "there is a time and season for everything." Everything, not some things, not even most things, but a reason for everything. Some seasons of our lives are more enjoyable than other seasons appear to be. One of the reasons we have such happy memories of past seasons, is the fact that our memories are usually a little better than the actual event itself. What is God's purpose for the present season where you find yourself? Ask Him and trust Him.

5. Jesus is Lord of all seasons. Wherever you are, Jesus is there! He cares about you. Whatever time it may in your life, it is always time to trust Him!

It is always in season to be thankful!

Experiencing God: What are we communicating?

2010-11-12T10:40:00.000-08:00

What do you suppose the people at this church are trying to communicate? Let me be fair. I do not imagine that anyone at this church, got up one morning and thought, 'what can we do today to be offensive?' I think they are trying to communicate Biblical truth and did not adequately understand the audience they were trying to reach. We are told in the Bible that Jesus came filled with grace and truth. We need both grace and truth. I am not suggesting to water-down the message. Compromise is not an option for believers. Evangelism is what we must be about, but we have to understand that the culture has changed.
In the neighborhood where I live is a small congregation, that desires to reach the neighborhood. They recently sent a mailing to everyone in our community. At the top of the mailing is the name of the Church with a picture and its address. So far so good. Underneath the heading are emboldened bullet points that say the following:
Don't you want the church to be the church?

King James Version only
The sacred hymns of the church
A Place where you can be loved and accepted like family?

I don't fault them for their beliefs, and their right to operate their congregation in any manner they desire. But, I have to tell you something about my neighbors. 1. Most of them do not go to church.    2. Most of them never or rarely read the Bible. 3. Many of them have no idea or understanding of the inner conflicts that take place in congregations.

In other words they forgot who they were trying to reach. Unless they were intentionally trying to reach disgruntled church members.  And if that is the case, I wish them all the best with that endeavor. You have to be a lifer like me to even understand points one and two. I like especially the third point. I want to feel like family and everyone wants acceptance. I believe they are also telling me there is a limit to acceptance. I must read the right translation and like the right kind of songs, in other words, if you fit in we will accept you!

Lest, it seem like I am picking on my sincere brothers and sisters, let me confess I have the same tendencies. I have been inside the church for so long, I fail to notice my use of insider language. Jesus was loved by the people. One reason would be that He talked to them and knew what aspirations and dreams they had and of course He knew that He provided the only real answer to their longings.

This Sunday we are going to look at a story found in Acts 8. Philip has been telling the Gospel story and many are coming to faith. Then right as things are going well, God invites him to take a trip to a desert. Why a desert? They are lonely and isolated and fail to excite like the city with its big crowds and many prospects. God's definition of 'success' may not be crowds, buildings, money, prestige etc. He defines success as obedience! It is not where I am geographically or numerically or financially, but where I am in obedience to His Word and will. Philip leaves the crowds of the city and leads a single person to saving faith in Jesus Christ. An Ethiopian official. Is leading on man to Christ

If we love Him we will obey Him, is the plain teaching of the Bible.   Am I willing to walk with Him in obedience. I will leave the results with Him. Is my life communicating that I am looking to see what God is doing in my world and joining in with Him. Or am I using some other tool to measure my spiritual success? Spiritual success is all about obedience!
I would love to hear from you!

blessings

What is Wesley's Horse?

2010-11-10T08:11:00.000-08:00

horse

Ipad

I have heard about John Wesley all my life. After all I have been raised in and now serve in a Wesleyan denomination. He is usually associated with being the founder of the Methodist movement. He and his hymn writing brother Charles have had an enormous influence upon the church. He was born in the parsonage at Epworth Lincolnshire England in 1703 and died in 1791 in London. He was a preacher, author, leader and as productive a person who has ever lived.

Usually he rode on horse-back. The equestrian statue of him in Bristol is the picture that I use in the heading for my blog. I This one man reading his book on his horse, going to preach the gospel. Wesley rode up to 65 miles a day, and then in his sixties he designed the famous carriage which he had built. It had a bookcase fitted and it was his study, and office, and library. Thus Wesley travelled all over the British Isles, but especially throughout England.

John Wesley traveled 250,000 miles on horseback, averaging twenty miles a day for forty years; preached 4,000 sermons; produced 400 books; knew ten languages. At eighty-three he was annoyed that he could not write more than fifteen hours a day without hurting his eyes, and at eighty-six he was ashamed he could not preach more than twice a day. He complained in his diary that there was an increasing desire to lie in bed until 5:30 in the morning. (Source unknown).

Some of my favorite quotes attributed to John Wesley are:
"God will do nothing but in answer to prayer."
"Give me one hundred preachers who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God, and I care not whether they be clergymen or laymen, they alone will shake the gates of Hell and set up the kingdom of Heaven upon Earth."

“Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can.”
The reason for the name "Wesley's Horse," is that I am wondering how I can harness the things in my life and use them to be a better Christian, better Pastor, husband, father and friend. He was able to write sermons, books, and correspond all while riding a horse. Later he would have a carriage constructed and used it as a travelling office.
John Wesley's singular focus seems way over the top to us in our day. I am not trying to copy extremism. I am instead seeking ways to be more effective in spreading the Gospel and edifying the saints. John Wesley serves as a reminder to "redeem the time."

What do I see around me that I could use to help spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The horse that he rode helped him to be able to read, write, reflect, pray and correspond with thousands. Will my horse, be Facebook, Twitter, the Web, or several things yet uninvented and undiscovered. I must be aware of my surroundings for many reasons, but as a Christian, my awareness must be heightened for the ways that God might be served. I still like Henry Blackaby's thought: 'find where God is working, and join Him.'

Remember pay attention, what is God doing in my world and how can I make a difference in my world? I would love the hear from you and hear how the Spirit is speaking to you. I would love to hear what tools you are using to reach your world.
I will close with one of Wesley's most oft quoted statements. "The World is my Parish."

Can't we all just get along?

2010-11-04T19:36:00.000-07:00

George Whitefield

John Wesley

Can't We all just get along?   You may be wondering why I have a picture of two of the greatest personalities of the 18th century, George Whitefield and John Wesley? I will tell you a story in a moment. First, what did Jesus say about unity.

Unity is misunderstood in our day. Unity is equated with unanimity. Though they are similar there is a world of difference between the words. As Jesus was just hours away from the cross He spent that last evening lovingly teaching His disciples. In John 17 He prays for them. I give you just a couple of the verses from the High Priestly Prayer of Jesus:
John 17:17-23

17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19 For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.

20 "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: 23 I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

NIV

To have unity one must be in Christ, just as there is unity in the Triune God, there is to be a uniting with Christ by grace through faith.  See what Jesus is saying. He is reminding the Disciples that unity and spiritual victory will not be achieved through the board room or through or own planning and ingenuity. Our life in Christ is a spiritual concern. First Christ is telling us to live for God, we need to be sanctified. To be sanctified means to be made holy, and to be set a part for the Lord's service. If we are going to live the Christian life, it will not be by our own works and effort. We must be thoroughly completely changed and transformed from the inside out. We need the cleansing work of God in our hearts. We need to be filled with the Holy Spirit. We learn of our need through the Word. This is surely a part of what Paul meant in Romans 12, when he said 'be transformed by the renewing of your mind.' We are changed and cleansed by the Spirit of God, but we are to be transformed as well by the impact of God's Word.
Jesus prays that we be sanctified or cleansed and separated for God. Some have interpreted this separation for God as meaning to be separated from people. Jesus did not see a Holy life as one separated from the people, but rather one where the world has been taken out of my heart.   In this high priestly prayer Jesus also prays for you and me. Unity is first of all about me being united with Christ and walking in close fellowship with Him. John Stott observed "Christians have a pathological tendency to fragment." How can we square the passage in John 17 regarding unity with the lack of unity among believers. First of all we have so weakened the concept of unity today to mean, 'I will ignore our differences.' Or the other extreme in vogue today, I don't agree with you and I am going to go somewhere where I will not have to talk to you or look at you. How does Christian unity fit in with this? Can we disagree and still love each other?

I think one of the best examples comes from Church history. George Whitefield and John Wesley. These two life long friends, and two of the most famous people of the 18th century. Considered two of the greatest preachers, their impact is still felt to this day. They preached in Great Britain as well as the American Colonies. They were friends and brothers in Christ, yet they disagreed theologically. Whitefield was a Calvinist. Wesley an Arminian. Even though they remained friends, they were quite spirited in their theological opinions. Yet, when Whitefield knew he was dying, he requested that Wesley preach his funeral. Wesley could have attempted to score 'theological' points through the funeral message. Wesley's sermon is a tribute to a brother in Christ and friend. Christian unity is not having to agree on everything. Christian unity even allows for spirited discourse. Unity is not sweeping our differences under the rug. Unity comes from a sanctified heart of love that offers large doses of grace to all. Unity is not compromise. Unity is found only in Christ. Unity does not come from me trying to get along with everyone. Unity comes when I understand my worth and identity comes from the Lord. My worth is not found in what others say about me or do to me. Unity is found in my relationship with the Lord, that allows me to love and accept others, even when I don't agree with them.
This Sunday we will look at Jesus' prayer, as we continue our series on experiencing God.

Putting Away Childish Things

2010-11-02T17:21:00.000-07:00

At nearly every Wedding Ceremony I read or quote from the 'love chapter' I Corinthians 13. Tucked into this powerful chapter describing love, is this statement,

11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.

1 Cor 13:11

NIV

Love and being childish, how does that work? Well...it doesn't work! Remember this is one of the interesting tension points in the Bible. Quit being a child, and yet Jesus said ..'unless you become like a child you cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven.' Grow up and stay child like, how does that work?

Have you ever thought about the difference between the words simple and simplistic? It would seem at first look that they are identical. Simple is the root or the heart of both words. To say that something is simple is to say that it is not complicated or complex. To say that something is simplistic, is to say that it is easy, and takes no skill, in a word it is childish.

Let me make a differentiation: To follow Christ is simple, He said to two would be disciples come follow me.. He did not say straighten up first. He did not say come follow me, but first do this and stop doing that. No, that may be the approach of many Christians, follow Christ and here is a list to help you. But, that was never Christ's way. Though the invitation and appeal are simple. The invitation is not simplistic. It will take all of us the rest of our lives to live out the implications of these two words. Simple yes, juvenile and mindless no! As adults we begin to think that the more complex something is, then the more intelligent and sophisticated it must be. To be complex is to show of our erudition. What do you think of that word? Growing in faith and grace is a day by day commitment to Christ likeness.
Getting back to Paul and 1 Corinthians 13, Paul said, people filled with God's love should grow up. If you ever would like to define love in the life of a Christian, take your Bible and open it to 1 Cor. 13. In every place where the word "love" is used, substitute your name. Instead of love is kind, I would read it as, Ron is kind, and then continue on through the chapter. Love is more than a feeling or an emotion, love is an action word as well. Love is never really love until in some way it is acted upon. Maturity is putting others ahead of yourself. Love is thinking about others. Love has a sacrificial component to it.

Now one last turn. Even though Paul said to put away childish things, I am wondering if one of the childish things we need to put to rest in our day, is the childish desire to be always seen as grown up and mature? We have a young man that Susanne and I have in our hearts adopted as a grandchild. Following the death of his dad, we have tried to step in and be a blessing to him. In reality he has been more of a blessing to us. One of the great things about having him in our lives, is to be able to participate in childish things again. Like playing made up games, as well as 'monoply' and' sorry'. To see the world from the perspective of a child is not childish, it may be one of the more mature things you do. When you see the world from the vantage point of a child, you realize that a lot of grown-up things, are in the end not all that important.

Today I have decided to put away the following childish things:
1   The need to always be right.
2   The desire for applause.
3   The idea that possessions define me.
4   The need to be needed.
5   The need to have everyone think I am the best and that I am just perfect.
6   The need for every one's approval.
7   The need to be worn out so that you might be impressed by how hard I Work.
8    The need to noticed and rewarded.
9    The need to be considered smart.
10. The need for more and better things.

I guess I will stop for now, the preceding list looks rather daunting. Being a kid doesn't seem to be as easy as used to be.

Grow up, but not too much

One Shining Moment

2010-10-31T14:05:00.000-07:00

One shining moment. You may know this as the song that is played during "March Madness." Someone was watching in 1979 when Michigan State led by Earvin 'Magic' Johnson defeated Larry Bird and the Sycamores of Indiana State for the national championship and he penned the lyrics to 'One shining moment.' It would be years before CBS would make it the anthem of the NCAA basketball tournament. Luther Vandross would give voice to the lyrics and as they say the rest is history. The song was just recently redone with Jennifer Hudson providing the vocals. The song is about that one shining moment when all the work and all the effort and practice pays off, and you win the national championship, or at least pull off a first round upset.

The one shining moment happens in the spotlight. Many fail to remember if you want to have a shining moment, you will have to get up before the sun and put in your time. Not much of our lives are lived in the spotlight. Mostly life has the pace of the ordinary. No one much notices the efforts that you put in daily. The hour by hour doing what you are called to do. If we are faithful, somewhere when we least expect it, we will experience that one shining moment.

I just got back from the Olivet Nazarene University Board of Trustees meeting and Homecoming. The highlight was the dedication of the Centennial Chapel. Before and after the chapel dedication service I had encounters with people who have made a difference in my life. They invested in me and have influenced me far beyond what I could ever adequately express to them.

When I was in Jr. High a new pastor at the church entered into my life. His influence is still felt by me to this very day. Pastor Will Watson. He poured his life into me. He picked me up for church at times, he listened to me and patiently counseled me. He never acted as if I was a bother, he lovingly, kindly and with great strength showed me the way by living the faith and showing that one could love God and people and do so with calm grace. I saw him this last Friday at the new chapel, I had the opportunity to tell him how much he meant to me and how I would never have made it to where am I am today without his help and influence.

Why don't you take time this week and thank someone for being a blessing in your life? Call or write a note to a person who made a difference in your life. Even when the sun seems not to be shining, my life is still blessed by sunshine of God's love. I realize I have experienced many "one shining moment" moments in my life. God's people have been a blessing to me, and they continue to do so to this very moment. Thanks Pastor Watson. You have made a difference. Thank you for obediently following God's will for your life. Thank you for staying in trenches and serving our God. I know you made a difference in the lives of many. May I say that you made a huge difference in my life. Whenever I think of the word pastor, you are the image that automatically comes into my mind. My only desire is that I might impact someones life as you have impacted me.

Pastor Will Watson and Ron Blake

Serve Fest a Recap!

2010-10-25T11:20:00.000-07:00

Yesterday October 24th, our congregation participated in our First Serve Fest. Nearly 400 people participated in various service projects. I was pondering a way to get our congregation involved in service projects. A couple who began attending our church approximately one year ago, Jason and Angie Manar, described to me what had happened in their previous church in Iowa. As we are in the midst of studying Experiencing God, it seemed that this is where God is moving and we joined with Him.

I asked some people to serve on the committee. The committee did a great job of pulling things together. The committee was Jason and Angie Manar, Pastor Ron Embry, Bill Heaton, Jeff and Jen Noricks, Kerri Burba, Cindy Wildasin and Diane Kingsbury.

Twenty separate venues were identified and a leader for each group was chosen. Here is a listing of the various projects:

DFC Serve Fest

#1 Downtown Northville Clean Up
Leader – Bob Sedgewick
#2 Clean-up ITC Sports Park
Leader – Christa Harris
#3 Visit and sing at Whitehall Nursing Home
Leader – Susanne Blake
#4 Bring cookies to the Botsford Seniors
Leader – Alta Stahl
#5 Cemetery Clean Up
Leader of Rural Hill – Sharon Pilat
Leaders of Oakwood – Stan and Karen Green
#6 Spruce up Livonia Nature Trails
Leader – Bill Heaton
#7 Paint at Livonia Park
Leader – Bill Heaton
#8 Assist the New Hope Center for Grief Support
Leader – Kerri Burba
#9 Craft for Alzheimer’s Research
Leader – Cyndie Holbrook
#10 Prepare lunch for Serve Fest volunteers
Leader – Kirklin Morris
#11 Security at DFC
#12 Pray at DFC
Leader – Betty Crowder
#13 Help with childcare
Leader – Kelli Oliver
#14 Clean-up Ford Field (Northville)
Leaders – Cindy and Mark Wildasin
#15 Pick up a Nature Trail
Leader – Curt Engelmann
#16 Clean-up the Woods
Leader – Gary Schlabach
#17 Pray for Teens
Leader – Lindsey Murphy
#18 Yard Make-Over
Leader – Ron Kingsbury
#19 Visit Shut-Ins and
Hospitalized
Leader – Troy Ogle
#20 Yard Work
Leader – Jason Manar

I am going to reconvene the committee and discuss ways in which we can make service a part of our DNA.

I have been a pastor for 29 years, I don't believe I was ever a part of a Sunday in which there was such a spirit of unity and excitement. The worship service was filled with the presence of God. Everyone cooperated and was so helpful. I have never been more proud of a group of people than I am of the the Detroit First Nazarene Family.
To my pastor friends reading this blog, take the plunge, leave the building and serve your community. We purposely chose some projects that would help the four communities that surround us, because as a not-for-profit we do not pay property taxes on our facility. Yet, if we needed the fire department or the police department they would come to our assistance. Serve fest was a way for us to say thank you to our community and to say we want to see that our communities are great places to live.

The projects that chosen were varied and the people responded and every project was completed!

I am including a few pictures so that you might get the flavor. I highly recommend that you consider taking service to our communities.

A group of families from the Cross trainers Sunday School Class helped a family with much needed yard work

One group went and helped at the New Life Grief Counseling center, and assisted with clean up.

The sign we had on our property the week of the event. It stated that DFC has left the building! We got out of our box! We didn't just go to church, we wanted to be the church as well!

Lunch was served to 400 people. It was an incredible meal. The best soup I have ever tasted!

More happy People at church:

I want to thank everyone who helped to make this a great day in the Lord!