Just yesterday I heard someone humming a favorite hymn of mine. You may have heard it before, but it goes a little something like this:
Take me out to the the Ball Game
Take me out to the crowd.
Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jacks.
I don't care if I ever get back.
For it's root, root, root for the Rangers.
If they don't win it's a shame.
For it's one, two, three strikes. You're OUT!
At the old ball game!
It's an old favorite. Ok, it's not exactly in the Baptist Hymnal or any other hymnal for that matter, but according to real Baseball fans it's a song that must be sung. "Take Me Out To the Ball Game" is a 1908 Tin Pan Alley song by Jack Norworth and Albert Von Tizer which became the unofficial anthem of baseball. It was first played in a Major League Ball Park in 1935 and was soon after adopted by most Major League Teams and ball parks. The song would catch on and later become a 7th Inning Stretch tradition.
In the last ten years (since 9-11-01), another song has taken over the 7th Inning Stretch tradition. God Bless America is now a favorite for most ball parks during the fabled stretch. Some love it, and some think that God has nothing to do with baseball and have suggested just singing about peanuts and Cracker Jacks alone. Maybe I am not a baseball purist as I have long thought, but I like God Bless America at the ball park and I especially like it during the 7th inning stretch. Maybe God doesn't care who wins the games, but I believe that God is present there in the ball park as well as everywhere. Why not allow this to be one of those incarnation moments where God dwells among us? Why not seek God's blessing as a part of America's past time and encourage folk to sing God's blessings all the time? Why not allow the 7th Inninng Stretch to remind us that we are not done playing the game of life, but that the game may be coming to a close shortly? Many love the game of baseball as an escape and singing "Take Me Out To the Ball Game" reminds them of the joys of escaping the mundane of life. I suppose I am a realist who knows that eventually the peanuts and Cracker Jacks run out, that they don't fulfill you anyhow, and that the outs remaining dwindle to none and everyone must go home.
Maybe the 7th Inning Stretch will serve as a reminder that God has blessed America and that we should return to blessing God. "Praise the Lord. Sing to the Lord a New Song." (Psalm 149:1a)
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
You Gotta Believe Baby!
It is here! The World Series is coming to a Ball Park near you! The Rangers and the Cardinals will square off in this year's Fall Classic. It is tough to predict who will win, who will get hot and hit six home runs in a series (a la Cruz) and who will throw a shut out for nine innings. Baseball is unpredictable and that is why they actually play the games. For instance, with a month left in the season, the Cardinals were 9 games out of the wild card playoff birth and did not actually win a play off spot until the last day of the season when the Braves lost and they won. Yet two playoff series later, the Cardinals are playing for a world championship. That's why they play the games. The unpredictable can happen. The under dog can win. The big hitter can strike out. The slumping hitter can get hot. You never know what can happen when a team starts to believe in themselves and each other.
Let's hope that last year's World Series was simply an introduction for the Rangers and that this year's series is our first world championship! You gotta believe baby! That's a good motto! Most baseball players are typically superstitious. If something works for them, like wearing an old t-shirt under their jersey during a game, then they wear that shirt until it no longer works. If blowing a bubble before an at bat works, then they do it every time there after because it worked once. In the game of baseball you cling to that which works, but there is no substitution for believing in yourself and your team.
Philippians 4:13 reminds us that with God all things are possible. "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." In order to meet our goals, fulfill God's mission and win in the game of life, what we may need most is a simple belief that we can actually do it! Of course, we do all things in God's strength. But note that ALL things are possible when we do them in HIS strength. God does fulfill His mission through us as we make ourselves available to be used by Him. But in order to meet our mission, we need to believe more in each other just as we need to believe more in our selves.
Let me offer you these words of encouragement in whatever opportunity or challenge you face today, "You can do all things through Christ who gives you strength." Suppose you lived each day fully believing in this verse. What sort of difference could you make?
See You at the ball game! You Gotta Believe Baby!
Let's hope that last year's World Series was simply an introduction for the Rangers and that this year's series is our first world championship! You gotta believe baby! That's a good motto! Most baseball players are typically superstitious. If something works for them, like wearing an old t-shirt under their jersey during a game, then they wear that shirt until it no longer works. If blowing a bubble before an at bat works, then they do it every time there after because it worked once. In the game of baseball you cling to that which works, but there is no substitution for believing in yourself and your team.
Philippians 4:13 reminds us that with God all things are possible. "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." In order to meet our goals, fulfill God's mission and win in the game of life, what we may need most is a simple belief that we can actually do it! Of course, we do all things in God's strength. But note that ALL things are possible when we do them in HIS strength. God does fulfill His mission through us as we make ourselves available to be used by Him. But in order to meet our mission, we need to believe more in each other just as we need to believe more in our selves.
Let me offer you these words of encouragement in whatever opportunity or challenge you face today, "You can do all things through Christ who gives you strength." Suppose you lived each day fully believing in this verse. What sort of difference could you make?
See You at the ball game! You Gotta Believe Baby!
Monday, October 17, 2011
The Lord Is....
A good shepherd knows how to protect the sheep in the fold. A good shepherd carries the staff to drive, guide, redirect, and protect the flock. The crook in the shepherd's staff is a great hook for the sheep that has fallen into the cracks and crevices of the rocky terrain in a wilderness such as many found in Israel. A good staff is a must for a shepherd leading a flock.
As a pastor, I am always aware of the many blessings of a staff. I have been blessed to have a great ministry and support staff at First Baptist Church. As I lead the church, I understand that my role is at times to be out front leading the charge and showing the way (As if to say, "ya'll come on and follow me!"). However, there are times when the shepherd must lead from the back of the pack and guide the flock by gentle nudges in this direction or that. The ideal shepherding location is smack dab in the middle of the flock. It is here that the shepherd has the opportunity to be most intimate with his flock while some are out front showing the way and some are still behind finding the way. It is in the middle of the flock that the pastor can equip, empower and encourage the flock to go, rest or graze. It is in the middle of the flock that pastoral needs are met and wounds are comforted. It is in the middle of the flock where the shepherd pastor can raise up under shepherds to assist in leading and loving the flock.
Every pastor has to employ different leadership modes at different times, but the one constant is that the pastor must always be following the Good Shepherd in order to lead the flock. Every day I pray that I may walk more closely to the Good Shepherd so that I may lead the church effectively and but also because I earnestly desire to walk more intimately with the flock God has granted me to lead.
The best leaders are first good followers!
The Lord is my shepherd,
I shall not be in want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leadeth me beside quiet waters.
He restoreth my soul;
He guides m in paths of righteousness
For His name's sake.
Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for Thou art with me;
Thy rod and Thy staff comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies;
Thou hath anointed my head with oil;
My cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all
the days of my life.
And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Amen
As a pastor, I am always aware of the many blessings of a staff. I have been blessed to have a great ministry and support staff at First Baptist Church. As I lead the church, I understand that my role is at times to be out front leading the charge and showing the way (As if to say, "ya'll come on and follow me!"). However, there are times when the shepherd must lead from the back of the pack and guide the flock by gentle nudges in this direction or that. The ideal shepherding location is smack dab in the middle of the flock. It is here that the shepherd has the opportunity to be most intimate with his flock while some are out front showing the way and some are still behind finding the way. It is in the middle of the flock that the pastor can equip, empower and encourage the flock to go, rest or graze. It is in the middle of the flock that pastoral needs are met and wounds are comforted. It is in the middle of the flock where the shepherd pastor can raise up under shepherds to assist in leading and loving the flock.
Every pastor has to employ different leadership modes at different times, but the one constant is that the pastor must always be following the Good Shepherd in order to lead the flock. Every day I pray that I may walk more closely to the Good Shepherd so that I may lead the church effectively and but also because I earnestly desire to walk more intimately with the flock God has granted me to lead.
The best leaders are first good followers!
The Lord is my shepherd,
I shall not be in want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leadeth me beside quiet waters.
He restoreth my soul;
He guides m in paths of righteousness
For His name's sake.
Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for Thou art with me;
Thy rod and Thy staff comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies;
Thou hath anointed my head with oil;
My cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all
the days of my life.
And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Amen
Thursday, October 13, 2011
The God of 2nd Chances
In the beginning, God created the whole world, the land and the sea, the sky and the trees; and He created humanity. We were created in God's own image, but our sin put a blemish on the beautiful perfection of His creation.
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning." John 1:1-2
Therefore, the Word, that was with God in the beginning, became flesh and dwelt among us in order to show us the way to a renewed relationship with God. This renewal is of God and not ourselves so no one can boast. It is by God's grace that we may find a 2nd Chance. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
One day last week, I was playing a round of golf and enjoying the beauty of God's creation in the hill country of TX. There were beautiful sand traps, perfectly placed water holes, tall grassy roughs and rippling greens. :-) Seriously now, the hill sides, trees, deer and birds were an incredible sight to behold. Such a wonderful retreat! As I watched one of my aweful shots carom off a rock and into the woods, I thought about God's grace and the beauty of the mulligan. That's who our God is, He is the God of second chances! That second shot was the same as the first but the outcome was different as the ball rolled up on the green.
Whenever someone gives Jesus their heart and follows Him as Lord and Savior of their life, God re-creates them. Isn't that something! If you know Jesus, you have been re-created into His image. That which was blemished has been made whole again. I was thinking about this the other day and I wrote this prayer below.
A Prayer of Renewal
Create In me:
Grace unto salvation.
Love for the unlovely.
Faith to move mountains.
Hope in the rising Son.
Courage to walk on water, even if alone.
Joy in the midst of sorrow.
Peace in trials.
Wisdom beyond my years.
Victory that can't be mustered on it's own.
Create In me Grace.
Amen
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning." John 1:1-2
Therefore, the Word, that was with God in the beginning, became flesh and dwelt among us in order to show us the way to a renewed relationship with God. This renewal is of God and not ourselves so no one can boast. It is by God's grace that we may find a 2nd Chance. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
One day last week, I was playing a round of golf and enjoying the beauty of God's creation in the hill country of TX. There were beautiful sand traps, perfectly placed water holes, tall grassy roughs and rippling greens. :-) Seriously now, the hill sides, trees, deer and birds were an incredible sight to behold. Such a wonderful retreat! As I watched one of my aweful shots carom off a rock and into the woods, I thought about God's grace and the beauty of the mulligan. That's who our God is, He is the God of second chances! That second shot was the same as the first but the outcome was different as the ball rolled up on the green.
Whenever someone gives Jesus their heart and follows Him as Lord and Savior of their life, God re-creates them. Isn't that something! If you know Jesus, you have been re-created into His image. That which was blemished has been made whole again. I was thinking about this the other day and I wrote this prayer below.
A Prayer of Renewal
Create In me:
Grace unto salvation.
Love for the unlovely.
Faith to move mountains.
Hope in the rising Son.
Courage to walk on water, even if alone.
Joy in the midst of sorrow.
Peace in trials.
Wisdom beyond my years.
Victory that can't be mustered on it's own.
Create In me Grace.
Amen
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
The Dude With the Tude
I have been blessed to serve in a number of churches and in a variety of roles throughout my ministry and to witness an incredible number of Godly people with a love for God and a heart of service. There have been times where I witnessed the ugly side of the church; selfish attitudes, proud self promotion, flesh driven decisions, etc., but it is always the good in the church that keeps me coming back for more. I believe in the church, I love God's people and I thoroughly enjoy serving. Much of this I learned from my parents, but I have always found faithful servants in each church who have encouraged my heart to service. I found such encouragement from a dude with the right attitude.
In the first church I served as a Student minister, there was a man who served the church and did everything that it seemed no one else wanted to do. He took out the trash, worked with the 7th grade boys, helped with the audio ministry, visited the sick and the residents of nursing homes. Every time I turned around, this man was serving and picking up the slack. He always did so with a quiet, humble demeanor.
After witnessing this for a few months, I asked him about his humble service. The man stated, "I just want to be a dude with a Christ like attitude." He pointed out Philippians 2:5-11 as his favorite passage of Scripture and his daily MO. From then on I referred to Him as THE DUDE WITH THE TUDE!
Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus..........
In the first church I served as a Student minister, there was a man who served the church and did everything that it seemed no one else wanted to do. He took out the trash, worked with the 7th grade boys, helped with the audio ministry, visited the sick and the residents of nursing homes. Every time I turned around, this man was serving and picking up the slack. He always did so with a quiet, humble demeanor.
After witnessing this for a few months, I asked him about his humble service. The man stated, "I just want to be a dude with a Christ like attitude." He pointed out Philippians 2:5-11 as his favorite passage of Scripture and his daily MO. From then on I referred to Him as THE DUDE WITH THE TUDE!
Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus..........
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Breaking the Chains
Have you ever felt like you were living in chains? Over the course of time, that's what sin, negative attitudes, selfish ambition, poor daily habits, and even tradition (especially valuing tradition above relationships) can do to you. In fact, you may not even know that you are in chains, but these links can hold you down nonetheless. A few days ago, I listened to a man in a conversation at church and was surprised by the number of people that he slammed through negative overtones and explicit criticism. After this conversation concluded, I wondered about the chains on this man's heart. I wondered if he was unable to experience the daily blessings of God due in part to his negative spirit that seemed to have become a chain on his faith.
Jesus stated to the Jews who had believed in Him:
"If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:31-32)
Apparently, there were many who refused to believe in Jesus as the truth, as the messiah sent from God, and they only wanted to rely on their tradition. Anything otherwise, they would criticize. They were God fearing, but they were not God hearing! (8:47) Whenever God speaks, He may do so through a new voice other than the one of tradition and heritage. As children of Abraham, many of the Jews believed that they were covered, their sin was redeemed and their attitudes mattered not. This they believed was true simply because they were born Jewish. However, Jesus makes claim to be the Messiah and God Himself when He states, "I tell you the truth, before Abraham was born, I AM!" (8:58) At this the people picked up stones in an effort to stone Jesus because He is making claim to deity. If only they had listened to the truth. If only their hearts had softened, their tradition had not been so deeply rooted that they were unwilling to change and their spirit had been willing to yield to what God was doing in their midst. Instead, their lack of faith and unwillingness to change (or even listen to the Lord Jesus) led them into the deep pit of pride and sin.
This would never happen today would it? Would anyone, including you and me, ever fail to listen to what Jesus wanted to do in our lives, family, church and community? Could you ever turn your heart against a movement of God simply because the change was too difficult to grasp? Could you ever pick up a stone in opposition to what God is doing and the messenger God has sent? Could you ever be filled with a critical spirit that tears others down instead of building others up? Is it possible that you are living in chains and don't even know it? Until we were separated from the chains, we do not know fully the power and presence of God in our lives.
A few years ago, I wrote this poem as a confessional during my personal daily devotional in a season where I needed to turn to God to overcome some things that were binding me. I pray the Lord blesses you with the same freedom that I experience through Him!
Breaking the Chains
One of these days,
I'm gonna break the chains.
One of these days,
I'm gonna walk away.
I'm gonna break these chains that bind me.
I'm gonna walk away and find me.
One of these days,
I'm gonna break the chains.
This is the day that I'm gonna break these chains!
This is the day that I'm gonna walk away!
Jesus I pray you break these chains that bind me!
Jesus I want to walk away and find thee!
This is the day I am gonna leave these chains!
Jesus stated to the Jews who had believed in Him:
"If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:31-32)
Apparently, there were many who refused to believe in Jesus as the truth, as the messiah sent from God, and they only wanted to rely on their tradition. Anything otherwise, they would criticize. They were God fearing, but they were not God hearing! (8:47) Whenever God speaks, He may do so through a new voice other than the one of tradition and heritage. As children of Abraham, many of the Jews believed that they were covered, their sin was redeemed and their attitudes mattered not. This they believed was true simply because they were born Jewish. However, Jesus makes claim to be the Messiah and God Himself when He states, "I tell you the truth, before Abraham was born, I AM!" (8:58) At this the people picked up stones in an effort to stone Jesus because He is making claim to deity. If only they had listened to the truth. If only their hearts had softened, their tradition had not been so deeply rooted that they were unwilling to change and their spirit had been willing to yield to what God was doing in their midst. Instead, their lack of faith and unwillingness to change (or even listen to the Lord Jesus) led them into the deep pit of pride and sin.
This would never happen today would it? Would anyone, including you and me, ever fail to listen to what Jesus wanted to do in our lives, family, church and community? Could you ever turn your heart against a movement of God simply because the change was too difficult to grasp? Could you ever pick up a stone in opposition to what God is doing and the messenger God has sent? Could you ever be filled with a critical spirit that tears others down instead of building others up? Is it possible that you are living in chains and don't even know it? Until we were separated from the chains, we do not know fully the power and presence of God in our lives.
A few years ago, I wrote this poem as a confessional during my personal daily devotional in a season where I needed to turn to God to overcome some things that were binding me. I pray the Lord blesses you with the same freedom that I experience through Him!
Breaking the Chains
One of these days,
I'm gonna break the chains.
One of these days,
I'm gonna walk away.
I'm gonna break these chains that bind me.
I'm gonna walk away and find me.
One of these days,
I'm gonna break the chains.
This is the day that I'm gonna break these chains!
This is the day that I'm gonna walk away!
Jesus I pray you break these chains that bind me!
Jesus I want to walk away and find thee!
This is the day I am gonna leave these chains!
Monday, October 10, 2011
Chasing the Wind?
I felt a cool breeze blowing across my face this morning and I was reminded of encounters that I had a few years ago:
First, The man I greeted at the non profit early morning board meeting was a busy banker who was feeling overwhelmed with all that had to be done last week and still remained for today. He was successful in the eyes of world, but struggled to find a sense of worth and significance in his own eyes. After a few moments of sharing his heart and concernes with me, He stated, "Oh well, It's just another Monday and back to the old grind."
The book of Ecclesiastes, which many believe is an essay of the lectures of King Solomon to the court of pupils he taught in his latter days of reigning over Israel, speaks repetitively about the meaningless vanity of chasing after the dreams of the world. The Scriptures read, "Meaningless! Meaningless! Utterly Meaningless! and on numerous occasions the teacher/writer speaks of how seeking wisdom, pleasure, toil, advancement, wealth, power, etc., is "Chasing After the Wind."
Many people are struggling through life because they allow other people's priorities, even the worlds priorities to become their priorities. Good Christian people like this man mentioned previously are often caught up in chasing the dreams that others have for them instead of receiving the vision that God has for them. That is not to say that Christian people are not busy even as they seek to serve God and fulfill His mission. However, whenever we are passionately serving the Lord and seeking to fulfill His mission, there is a motivational factor, a fuel and a significance in God's work that is second to none. Simply put, the busyness of the mission does not overwhelm us when the peace of God is present. Every person can find the peace of God in their lives if they allow the mission of Christ to be their vocation and their priority no matter where they may be.
Though we are focused on the mission of Christ, even in the church we can get caught up chasing the wind if we are not careful. If our desire is for the priorities of God to be at the forefront and the mission of God to be fulfilled, then we will learn how to discern the difference between those things that need to be done and those things that do not. We will know the difference between the wants and the needs of life. This is an important lesson for us to learn for our faith, family and church.
Secondly, on one occassion as I watched my own children at play, I witnessed a little child who was running around the playground reaching into the sky as far as he could. He looked to have something that he was holding in his hand. When I had the chance, I asked him what he was doing. He said, "I am catching the wind." "Really?" I said, and then I followed up by asking, "Did you do it?" He opened his bare hand and stated emphatically, "Yep, don't you see it!" Then he was off and back to the chase.
What are the fruits of your life? Do you have anything to show for your faith? Are you experiencing the feelings of being overwhelmed because you are denying God's presence as you chase after all the world tells you that you must have and do?
Are you chasing the wind?
First, The man I greeted at the non profit early morning board meeting was a busy banker who was feeling overwhelmed with all that had to be done last week and still remained for today. He was successful in the eyes of world, but struggled to find a sense of worth and significance in his own eyes. After a few moments of sharing his heart and concernes with me, He stated, "Oh well, It's just another Monday and back to the old grind."
The book of Ecclesiastes, which many believe is an essay of the lectures of King Solomon to the court of pupils he taught in his latter days of reigning over Israel, speaks repetitively about the meaningless vanity of chasing after the dreams of the world. The Scriptures read, "Meaningless! Meaningless! Utterly Meaningless! and on numerous occasions the teacher/writer speaks of how seeking wisdom, pleasure, toil, advancement, wealth, power, etc., is "Chasing After the Wind."
Many people are struggling through life because they allow other people's priorities, even the worlds priorities to become their priorities. Good Christian people like this man mentioned previously are often caught up in chasing the dreams that others have for them instead of receiving the vision that God has for them. That is not to say that Christian people are not busy even as they seek to serve God and fulfill His mission. However, whenever we are passionately serving the Lord and seeking to fulfill His mission, there is a motivational factor, a fuel and a significance in God's work that is second to none. Simply put, the busyness of the mission does not overwhelm us when the peace of God is present. Every person can find the peace of God in their lives if they allow the mission of Christ to be their vocation and their priority no matter where they may be.
Though we are focused on the mission of Christ, even in the church we can get caught up chasing the wind if we are not careful. If our desire is for the priorities of God to be at the forefront and the mission of God to be fulfilled, then we will learn how to discern the difference between those things that need to be done and those things that do not. We will know the difference between the wants and the needs of life. This is an important lesson for us to learn for our faith, family and church.
Secondly, on one occassion as I watched my own children at play, I witnessed a little child who was running around the playground reaching into the sky as far as he could. He looked to have something that he was holding in his hand. When I had the chance, I asked him what he was doing. He said, "I am catching the wind." "Really?" I said, and then I followed up by asking, "Did you do it?" He opened his bare hand and stated emphatically, "Yep, don't you see it!" Then he was off and back to the chase.
What are the fruits of your life? Do you have anything to show for your faith? Are you experiencing the feelings of being overwhelmed because you are denying God's presence as you chase after all the world tells you that you must have and do?
Are you chasing the wind?
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Saturday In the Park
Chicago sang the hit song, "Saturday In the Park." I Love that song, the band and the story. It tells of laughter, fun, ice cream, smiles, singing and people interacting joyfully! I can dig it. (you gotta know the lyrics)
That is what the church is supposed to be like. We are supposed to enjoy fellowship and rejoice together in the presence and service of God. The New Testament uses the Greek word Koinonia to describe fellowship. This word highlights the fellowship of the church as one of deep commitment and love, but it also illustrates deeper truths concerning our mission. The word can also mean "partnership." When one thinks about our place in relationship to God it is hard to consider this a partnership with Him, but that is exactly what it is. Old Testament speaks of a covenant relationship with between God and His people. The New Testament points to a New Covenant relationship. This is much more than a contract and It is not just a ceremonial covenant, but it is a daily commitment to walk with God and God to walk with us.
I Corinthians 3:9 teaches that "we are God's fellow workers." In essence, we who confess Jesus as Lord are in a partnership with one another in carrying out the work of the church and we are also in a partnership with Almighty God to fullfil His mission. The promise of God is that when we place our lives in God's hands, He works in and through us. Thus, the challenge of Galatians 2:20 becomes empowering to those of us who walk with God. "I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me."
This morning we went to Heritage Plaza in downtown Longview for the Cancer Survivors Celebration and Walk. It was a blast! There was with fun conversation, food, entertainment, fundraising for American Cancer Society and people walking in support of a cure. It was a joyful celebration of our survivors. I am thankful to have a mother who is a survivor. We are blessed! As I watched the celebration today, I was reminded that It would have been terribly difficult, if not impossible, for her to make that walk through surgery, chemotherapy and radiation without partners to encourage her and assist her. The whole event today is a partnership of numerous community organizations, local businesses, government agencies, churches, etc. Seeing all the people together joyfully celebrating and serving a cause reminded me of who we are to be as the church.
Every day in the church is supposed to be like Saturday in the park.
I can dig it!
That is what the church is supposed to be like. We are supposed to enjoy fellowship and rejoice together in the presence and service of God. The New Testament uses the Greek word Koinonia to describe fellowship. This word highlights the fellowship of the church as one of deep commitment and love, but it also illustrates deeper truths concerning our mission. The word can also mean "partnership." When one thinks about our place in relationship to God it is hard to consider this a partnership with Him, but that is exactly what it is. Old Testament speaks of a covenant relationship with between God and His people. The New Testament points to a New Covenant relationship. This is much more than a contract and It is not just a ceremonial covenant, but it is a daily commitment to walk with God and God to walk with us.
I Corinthians 3:9 teaches that "we are God's fellow workers." In essence, we who confess Jesus as Lord are in a partnership with one another in carrying out the work of the church and we are also in a partnership with Almighty God to fullfil His mission. The promise of God is that when we place our lives in God's hands, He works in and through us. Thus, the challenge of Galatians 2:20 becomes empowering to those of us who walk with God. "I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me."
This morning we went to Heritage Plaza in downtown Longview for the Cancer Survivors Celebration and Walk. It was a blast! There was with fun conversation, food, entertainment, fundraising for American Cancer Society and people walking in support of a cure. It was a joyful celebration of our survivors. I am thankful to have a mother who is a survivor. We are blessed! As I watched the celebration today, I was reminded that It would have been terribly difficult, if not impossible, for her to make that walk through surgery, chemotherapy and radiation without partners to encourage her and assist her. The whole event today is a partnership of numerous community organizations, local businesses, government agencies, churches, etc. Seeing all the people together joyfully celebrating and serving a cause reminded me of who we are to be as the church.
Every day in the church is supposed to be like Saturday in the park.
I can dig it!
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Ready for a Run?
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders us and the sin that so easily entangles us and let us run with perseverance the race that is marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy set before Him, endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2
The "Faith Hall of Fame" or "Roll Call for Heroes of the Faith" is what some people call Hebrews 11. The chapter repetitively refers to those who walked with God by faith resulting in great accomplishment and true blessing. In chapter 12, the author (some believe to be the Apostle Paul) writes to encourage the faith and challenge the perseverance of some of the believers who were wavering. Before he exhorted them to focus on the person and passion of Jesus and run with endurance, he reminds them that they have a cloud of witnesses. This is a reference to the faithful who have gone before and are now watching over us as we live.
Whenever I think on this passage, I can't help but consider a stadium full of witnesses. We are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses (like an Olympic Stadium). I think about all the saints watching from the sky box above and I consider both the Biblical saints and the saints I have known who have gone on to be with the Lord. As I consider their legacy of faith, I am challenged to run my best and carry the baton faithfully. I also think about the many witnesses in the stands who should be on the field, but instead are in the stands watching others run the race of faith. I pray that more and more faithful servants will step forward to be a part of the team and join the effort in fulfilling the mission of Christ. However, when I reflect on this passage, I think mostly about the Lord Jesus who is seated at the right hand of God and how they witness our faith in action. This serves as a great motivation: to know that God the Father and Son are watching our every move, but also as encouragement to know that they are rooting for us every faithful step of the way.
This is not a sprint! The race of life in Christ is a Marathon which requires persistence in faithful training and endurance in execution. Pray with me for a team of servants who are ready to enter into training (discipleship) and willing to serve for the long haul, all the while running a challenging course. I believe that we are preparing for an incredible race ahead!
Just one last comment, the Heroes of the Faith mentioned in Hebrews 11 were not the ones passively watching the race, but actively participating in the race. Ready for a run?
Hebrews 12:1-2
The "Faith Hall of Fame" or "Roll Call for Heroes of the Faith" is what some people call Hebrews 11. The chapter repetitively refers to those who walked with God by faith resulting in great accomplishment and true blessing. In chapter 12, the author (some believe to be the Apostle Paul) writes to encourage the faith and challenge the perseverance of some of the believers who were wavering. Before he exhorted them to focus on the person and passion of Jesus and run with endurance, he reminds them that they have a cloud of witnesses. This is a reference to the faithful who have gone before and are now watching over us as we live.
Whenever I think on this passage, I can't help but consider a stadium full of witnesses. We are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses (like an Olympic Stadium). I think about all the saints watching from the sky box above and I consider both the Biblical saints and the saints I have known who have gone on to be with the Lord. As I consider their legacy of faith, I am challenged to run my best and carry the baton faithfully. I also think about the many witnesses in the stands who should be on the field, but instead are in the stands watching others run the race of faith. I pray that more and more faithful servants will step forward to be a part of the team and join the effort in fulfilling the mission of Christ. However, when I reflect on this passage, I think mostly about the Lord Jesus who is seated at the right hand of God and how they witness our faith in action. This serves as a great motivation: to know that God the Father and Son are watching our every move, but also as encouragement to know that they are rooting for us every faithful step of the way.
This is not a sprint! The race of life in Christ is a Marathon which requires persistence in faithful training and endurance in execution. Pray with me for a team of servants who are ready to enter into training (discipleship) and willing to serve for the long haul, all the while running a challenging course. I believe that we are preparing for an incredible race ahead!
Just one last comment, the Heroes of the Faith mentioned in Hebrews 11 were not the ones passively watching the race, but actively participating in the race. Ready for a run?
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
The Stars At Night
A few weeks ago, my son Carson approached me and said, "Dad, ya know what? Everything is BIGGER in Texas!" I suppose that he is right in many ways, but the fact that he had heard that or realized it after only a few weeks in TX just cracked me up.
This morning I awakened early to go for a run out in the hill country. As I made my first few strides out into the early morning Texas air, I looked up to see the biggest and brightest stars I have seen in a long time, if not ever. You know how the song goes, "The Stars at night, are big and bright...Deep in the heart of TX." Well I believe it! What a beautiful morning!
As I marveled in the majesty of God's creation on my dark morning run, I was reminded of many things. First, the mountains are His, the Valleys are His, the Stars are His handiwork too. O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! (Psalm 8:1-4)
Second, in just the same moment that I noticed the bright starts, I was reminded that the night is darkest just before the dawn. It was very dark this morning and maybe that is why the stars were seemingly so bright. In life I have noticed many times that the darkest hours come just before the dawn, that our hardest struggles are just around the corner from our greatest victory.
As I ran this morning, I first marveled in the beauty of God's creation and then I thought to myself quickly, "Why are you running? You are going to trip out here because it is so dark. Be careful! No one else is running, why don't you just go back to bed or just go sit on the porch?" However, as I continued to run, I continued to look up at those stars and realized that the darkness of the night was illumined by the brightness of the celestial. The light of the stars was more than enough to help me find my way. After running a couple miles, I even found that there were others out on the trail running with me. This is a journey of faith, but do we ever run alone?
Psalm 88 depicts a dark night of the soul. Some scholars have pointed to it as prophecy to the death of Jesus and others find it to be foreshadowing to the condition in every man as we walk through life's dark pits of despair. In my estimation, one of the profound beauties of the Scriptures is that God's Word illustrates the depravity of the sinful state (the dark, deep, forsaken pit of the lost and lonely), but also the bright hope of God's grace.
As you read this blog today, you may feel lost in the darkness (depression, grief, anxiety, doubt, just to name a few forms of darkness). and I want to offer you this hope. God's grace is bright enough to lead you through this day. God's grace will lead you through the valley and back to a mountain peak. The darkness you feel may cover your path, but the grace of God will light your way. "Even though I walk through the Valley of Death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me. Your rod and Your staff comfort me." (Psalm 23:4) You may feel consumed by the darkness, but remember the dawn is coming!
Grace unto you!
PC
This morning I awakened early to go for a run out in the hill country. As I made my first few strides out into the early morning Texas air, I looked up to see the biggest and brightest stars I have seen in a long time, if not ever. You know how the song goes, "The Stars at night, are big and bright...Deep in the heart of TX." Well I believe it! What a beautiful morning!
As I marveled in the majesty of God's creation on my dark morning run, I was reminded of many things. First, the mountains are His, the Valleys are His, the Stars are His handiwork too. O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! (Psalm 8:1-4)
Second, in just the same moment that I noticed the bright starts, I was reminded that the night is darkest just before the dawn. It was very dark this morning and maybe that is why the stars were seemingly so bright. In life I have noticed many times that the darkest hours come just before the dawn, that our hardest struggles are just around the corner from our greatest victory.
As I ran this morning, I first marveled in the beauty of God's creation and then I thought to myself quickly, "Why are you running? You are going to trip out here because it is so dark. Be careful! No one else is running, why don't you just go back to bed or just go sit on the porch?" However, as I continued to run, I continued to look up at those stars and realized that the darkness of the night was illumined by the brightness of the celestial. The light of the stars was more than enough to help me find my way. After running a couple miles, I even found that there were others out on the trail running with me. This is a journey of faith, but do we ever run alone?
Psalm 88 depicts a dark night of the soul. Some scholars have pointed to it as prophecy to the death of Jesus and others find it to be foreshadowing to the condition in every man as we walk through life's dark pits of despair. In my estimation, one of the profound beauties of the Scriptures is that God's Word illustrates the depravity of the sinful state (the dark, deep, forsaken pit of the lost and lonely), but also the bright hope of God's grace.
As you read this blog today, you may feel lost in the darkness (depression, grief, anxiety, doubt, just to name a few forms of darkness). and I want to offer you this hope. God's grace is bright enough to lead you through this day. God's grace will lead you through the valley and back to a mountain peak. The darkness you feel may cover your path, but the grace of God will light your way. "Even though I walk through the Valley of Death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me. Your rod and Your staff comfort me." (Psalm 23:4) You may feel consumed by the darkness, but remember the dawn is coming!
Grace unto you!
PC
Monday, October 3, 2011
Tick Tock
What if today were your last? Would you be ready to meet your maker? Is your heart ready for judgement? Have you done all that you set out to do? Have you done what God expected you to do?
Famous Christian author C.S. Lewis stated, "Put first things first and we get second things thrown in; put second things first and we lose both first and second things." Was is the highest priority of you life? Are you lining up your activities, your things to do list and your day depending upon that priority list?
Our highest priority must be to love and serve God. Next, we are to care for family and then the Church/mission of God. Psalm 84 illustrates well our calling in a prayer offered by the Psalter,
"Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. For the Lord God is a sun and a shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. O Lord Almighty, bless is the man who trusts in you."
How will you spend this day?
Famous Christian author C.S. Lewis stated, "Put first things first and we get second things thrown in; put second things first and we lose both first and second things." Was is the highest priority of you life? Are you lining up your activities, your things to do list and your day depending upon that priority list?
Our highest priority must be to love and serve God. Next, we are to care for family and then the Church/mission of God. Psalm 84 illustrates well our calling in a prayer offered by the Psalter,
"Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. For the Lord God is a sun and a shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. O Lord Almighty, bless is the man who trusts in you."
How will you spend this day?
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