"Ours is the first generation in American history that has been born into a world where Christian truth is no longer the reference point for defining the story of humanity." I don't know who wrote this, but I ran across it in my reading this week. As I think about it, I unfortunately have to agree. Privatized faith, pluralized beliefs, marginalized religion and relativized values have contributed to the spiritual restlessness that exists today. Ours is a morally gray world where absolute truth has been replaced by "if it makes me happy, it works for me."
The compartmentalization of our lives has brought about spiritual drift. As a result, we have a decision deficit. This undermines the very core of our relationship with Christ and fuels the inconsistency we struggle with. The way that we (Christians) can combat this is to realize that our decision to follow Christ must not be taken lightly. As Jesus said, we must "remain" in Him. That word means "maintain unbroken relationship with." This implies a choice that is followed by ongoing choices. Like the recovering alcoholic who has to decide day by day (even hour by hour) that he will choose not to drink, Christ-followers must decide day by day who it is that we are going to follow/serve. We have to choose Jesus every day! That's what a living sacrifice (Roman 12:1-2) is all about.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
What Are You Thinking?
Sometimes you look at the actions of another person, shake your head, and ask yourself, "What were they thinking?" You might utter those words under your breath or even be so bold as to flat out ask the person. Typically it's not a positive question. It is usually thought or uttered with total disbelief.
Let's take it a different direction. What are you thinking? Perhaps I should ask, "What are you focused on?" What grabs your heart today? What is it that you value most? Jesus said, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21). The Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things." In Proverbs 27:19 we read, "As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man."
These and other verses tell us the importance of right thinking. What we think about impacts our hearts. The fruit of our lives flows out of our hearts. I think it's safe to say that godly thinking will ultimately produce godly living.
You might be thinking right now, "That's not very deep." But review your attitudes, thoughts, and practices over the past three days. What were you thinking? Now ask, "What am I thinking?"
Let's take it a different direction. What are you thinking? Perhaps I should ask, "What are you focused on?" What grabs your heart today? What is it that you value most? Jesus said, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21). The Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things." In Proverbs 27:19 we read, "As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man."
These and other verses tell us the importance of right thinking. What we think about impacts our hearts. The fruit of our lives flows out of our hearts. I think it's safe to say that godly thinking will ultimately produce godly living.
You might be thinking right now, "That's not very deep." But review your attitudes, thoughts, and practices over the past three days. What were you thinking? Now ask, "What am I thinking?"
Friday, September 13, 2013
The Tyranny of the Urgent
I am in a season of life that seems to have no slow down in it. My summer was extremely busy, filled with a lot of good things. We threw in a surgery for my wife, a month-long visit by my oldest daughter and my grandson (and my son-in-law was here for a week), our awesome Vacation Bible School at church, several trips to the hospitals and rehab centers to visit ailing congregational members (all trips were long ones - our nearest suburb where everyone goes is Fort Wayne), and, oh yeah, a vacation! Then school started and my youngest daughter is in volleyball and we are out most evenings at games. We even have an all day tournament tomorrow that is 2 hours away from home.
I say that knowing that your life is probably as busy as mine, if not busier. So here's the question: What things are important and what things are urgent? I know I allow a lot of urgent things dominate my time rather than keeping the important things at the forefront. Then I complain that I don't have time for the really important things. I have to work very hard at making this distinction and then prioritizing my schedule. If I don't, the urgent becomes a tyrant.
A friend of mine once said, "The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing." Any thoughts?
I say that knowing that your life is probably as busy as mine, if not busier. So here's the question: What things are important and what things are urgent? I know I allow a lot of urgent things dominate my time rather than keeping the important things at the forefront. Then I complain that I don't have time for the really important things. I have to work very hard at making this distinction and then prioritizing my schedule. If I don't, the urgent becomes a tyrant.
A friend of mine once said, "The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing." Any thoughts?
Monday, September 9, 2013
Confessions of a Baseball Junkie
I have to admit that I am a bit of a baseball junkie. I have followed baseball since childhood when I listened to my first game on a transistor radio (for those who don't know what one is, google it!). Don Drysdale was pitching for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Despite growing up less than two hours from Pittsburgh, I became a rabid Dodger fan until my wife, children, and I moved to San Diego in 1988. I "converted" to being a Padres fan and enjoyed watching the great Tony Gwynn master the art of hitting into the 5.5 hole.
If I haven't lost you, let me get to my point. San Diego is a beautiful city for baseball. There are many distractions that keep people from going to games - the mountains, surf, zoo, wild animal park, museums, water parks, etc. - all compete for people's attention. I loved going to games at the old ballpark - Jack Murphy Stadium (I know it's called Qualcomm not but the old name just sounds better). The new stadium, Petco Park, is absolutely gorgeous - a great place to watch a game. I've enjoyed taking my youngest daughter, Bekah, there on two occasions. I get a thrill just walking into the stadium. I love the smell of the ballpark (not just the brauts!). The rich green grass, pristine white chalk lines and brown base paths simply take my breath away! And when the Padres take the field, the fans go crazy letting the team know they are behind them all the way! When we are there, we expect the team to win.
Shouldn't that be the same feeling when we go to church? Shouldn't worship be a time when believers gather together to experience the awe of being in the presence of Almighty God? Shouldn't it be a heart-stopping, life-changing, celebration of the Lord of the universe? Why do we let so many other things distract us from going, and even when we are there, distract us from what our focus is to be? We worry to much about little things. Insignificant things. Petty things. We allow the temporal to keep us from the Eternal. Does God sense our "support?" Do other believers?
Some people think that it's the pastor's job to make things exciting. I agree that all church leaders have a responsibility to eliminate distractions and center the focus on God. At the same time, every believer walking in to the "stadium" has a responsibility to support the "home team." You have to come expecting to win.
If I haven't lost you, let me get to my point. San Diego is a beautiful city for baseball. There are many distractions that keep people from going to games - the mountains, surf, zoo, wild animal park, museums, water parks, etc. - all compete for people's attention. I loved going to games at the old ballpark - Jack Murphy Stadium (I know it's called Qualcomm not but the old name just sounds better). The new stadium, Petco Park, is absolutely gorgeous - a great place to watch a game. I've enjoyed taking my youngest daughter, Bekah, there on two occasions. I get a thrill just walking into the stadium. I love the smell of the ballpark (not just the brauts!). The rich green grass, pristine white chalk lines and brown base paths simply take my breath away! And when the Padres take the field, the fans go crazy letting the team know they are behind them all the way! When we are there, we expect the team to win.
Shouldn't that be the same feeling when we go to church? Shouldn't worship be a time when believers gather together to experience the awe of being in the presence of Almighty God? Shouldn't it be a heart-stopping, life-changing, celebration of the Lord of the universe? Why do we let so many other things distract us from going, and even when we are there, distract us from what our focus is to be? We worry to much about little things. Insignificant things. Petty things. We allow the temporal to keep us from the Eternal. Does God sense our "support?" Do other believers?
Some people think that it's the pastor's job to make things exciting. I agree that all church leaders have a responsibility to eliminate distractions and center the focus on God. At the same time, every believer walking in to the "stadium" has a responsibility to support the "home team." You have to come expecting to win.
Saturday, August 31, 2013
Labor Day
This is Labor Day weekend. Created to honor the working men and women of our nation and giving many an extra day off from their toil, it's become a long weekend; a getaway opportunity; a day to get things done around the house. Whatever you are doing with your weekend, I hope it will be enjoyable.
I can't think about Labor Day without thinking of my late father. He worked hard all of his life. He grew up poor, picking up coal along the railroad tracks that ran past his childhood home in Stoneboro, PA. He left home at a young age and eventually worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camps during the depression. WWII called and he served in the South Pacific. When he returned from the war, Dad eventually got a job working at Packard Electric in Warren, Ohio. It was a wiring harness supplier for General Motors, and after 47 years of laboring in the factory, Dad retired. He enjoyed his retirement years until his death two years ago at the age of 89.
I think of Dad on Labor Day because of how hard he worked to provide for my mother and me. I didn't appreciate it when I was growing up, but as the years went by I realized how much Dad sacrificed to make my life better than what he had when he was young. He was a hard-working man who gave his all in many different ways. I wish I could still spend time with him. I miss him.
What am I going to do on this Labor Day weekend? Well, for starters, I'm going to go to my son's house today (Saturday) and help him change out the power steering unit on his truck. I don't have a clue how long that will take, but if there is time left in the day I'll probably try to clean out our garage. Tomorrow will be worship in the morning, and Jon and his girlfriend may come over tomorrow or Monday for a cookout - a family tradition. I mostly want to spend the weekend with family. With all the work all of us do, it's nice to shut down and be with those we love most.
What are you doing this weekend?
I can't think about Labor Day without thinking of my late father. He worked hard all of his life. He grew up poor, picking up coal along the railroad tracks that ran past his childhood home in Stoneboro, PA. He left home at a young age and eventually worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camps during the depression. WWII called and he served in the South Pacific. When he returned from the war, Dad eventually got a job working at Packard Electric in Warren, Ohio. It was a wiring harness supplier for General Motors, and after 47 years of laboring in the factory, Dad retired. He enjoyed his retirement years until his death two years ago at the age of 89.
I think of Dad on Labor Day because of how hard he worked to provide for my mother and me. I didn't appreciate it when I was growing up, but as the years went by I realized how much Dad sacrificed to make my life better than what he had when he was young. He was a hard-working man who gave his all in many different ways. I wish I could still spend time with him. I miss him.
What am I going to do on this Labor Day weekend? Well, for starters, I'm going to go to my son's house today (Saturday) and help him change out the power steering unit on his truck. I don't have a clue how long that will take, but if there is time left in the day I'll probably try to clean out our garage. Tomorrow will be worship in the morning, and Jon and his girlfriend may come over tomorrow or Monday for a cookout - a family tradition. I mostly want to spend the weekend with family. With all the work all of us do, it's nice to shut down and be with those we love most.
What are you doing this weekend?
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Failure is Not Final
It was January 3, 1993. The Buffalo Bills were playing the Houston Oilers in the NFL playoffs. The Oilers, led by quarterback Warren Moon, had built a 35-3 lead with two minutes remaining in the 3rd quarter. The Bills were without starting quarterback Jim Kelly who had been injured the week before against these same Oilers. To compound matters, running back Thurman Thomas was injured during the game. Things looked bleak for the Bills and their backup quarterback, Frank Reich.
But then something magical happened. In the next 17 minutes, the Buffalo Bills scored 35 points while the Oilers could only manage a single field goal, forcing the game into sudden death overtime. Steve Christie's 32 yard field goal in overtime gave the Bills the win, allowing them to move on in the playoffs and eventually play in their third of four straight Super Bowls. What an amazing comeback!
In preparation for my message this week, I am reading the story of the Israelites' battle against Ai (Joshua 8). In the previous chapter, we learn how the Israelites were defeated by the people of Ai because of the sin of Achan (read Joshua 7). Things seemed bleak for the Israelites. Fresh off their victory over the people of Jericho (Joshua 6), their hopes and dreams were shattered. Where was God? Had He led them to the Promised Land to die?
But there was indeed a comeback. Once the people had dealt with the sin, they received another promise from God - "I have delivered into your hands the king of Ai, his people, his city and his land" (Joshua 8:1). From there the story unfolds of a great victory for God's people.
My friends, failure is not final. You may be facing the darkest moments of your life right now. You may face them in the days to come. You may find yourself in the place you are due to bad decisions or sinful disobedience. But God is in the restoration business. While you may have to deal with some of the consequences of your decisions, there is healing and hope. You can make a comeback if you humble yourself before God, confess your sins and / or poor choices, and in turn, receive His amazing grace and forgiveness. From there you can move forward in victory.
Sunday's outline? To make a comeback, you have to Contemplate God's Promises, Construct a God-sized Strategy, Commit Yourself to Obedience, and Celebrate Each New Victory.
But then something magical happened. In the next 17 minutes, the Buffalo Bills scored 35 points while the Oilers could only manage a single field goal, forcing the game into sudden death overtime. Steve Christie's 32 yard field goal in overtime gave the Bills the win, allowing them to move on in the playoffs and eventually play in their third of four straight Super Bowls. What an amazing comeback!
In preparation for my message this week, I am reading the story of the Israelites' battle against Ai (Joshua 8). In the previous chapter, we learn how the Israelites were defeated by the people of Ai because of the sin of Achan (read Joshua 7). Things seemed bleak for the Israelites. Fresh off their victory over the people of Jericho (Joshua 6), their hopes and dreams were shattered. Where was God? Had He led them to the Promised Land to die?
But there was indeed a comeback. Once the people had dealt with the sin, they received another promise from God - "I have delivered into your hands the king of Ai, his people, his city and his land" (Joshua 8:1). From there the story unfolds of a great victory for God's people.
My friends, failure is not final. You may be facing the darkest moments of your life right now. You may face them in the days to come. You may find yourself in the place you are due to bad decisions or sinful disobedience. But God is in the restoration business. While you may have to deal with some of the consequences of your decisions, there is healing and hope. You can make a comeback if you humble yourself before God, confess your sins and / or poor choices, and in turn, receive His amazing grace and forgiveness. From there you can move forward in victory.
Sunday's outline? To make a comeback, you have to Contemplate God's Promises, Construct a God-sized Strategy, Commit Yourself to Obedience, and Celebrate Each New Victory.
Monday, August 26, 2013
Followers
Due to the fact that we are in between youth pastors at the moment, I have been taking my turn with the teens on Sunday nights leading the youth lesson. Last night we were talking about what it means to be a follower of Jesus. We started with this definition of follower: "A follower is a person who believes in something or someone so much that it is reflected in the way they live their life."
The 25 minute bible study that ensued was quite enlightening. The students shared openly of some of the experiences they have faced as Christ-followers. The challenges in their schools and social orbs are huge! While I had my share of struggles as a Christian in my teen years, today's student really has to be committed to the right path, realize that it is a spiritual battle, and remain focused on God's plan for his or her life.
I have to say that I was impressed with their thoughtful comments and the transparency they showed as they communicated their struggles. My take-away from the evening is that I need to be more prayerful, both as a pastor as well as a parent, for my own daughter and the youth of our church and community. It's sobering to hear what they face. And they don't need cliches; they need to know they have someone they can fall back on to help them walk through the challenges of following Jesus. I resolve to do a better job in this area.
The 25 minute bible study that ensued was quite enlightening. The students shared openly of some of the experiences they have faced as Christ-followers. The challenges in their schools and social orbs are huge! While I had my share of struggles as a Christian in my teen years, today's student really has to be committed to the right path, realize that it is a spiritual battle, and remain focused on God's plan for his or her life.
I have to say that I was impressed with their thoughtful comments and the transparency they showed as they communicated their struggles. My take-away from the evening is that I need to be more prayerful, both as a pastor as well as a parent, for my own daughter and the youth of our church and community. It's sobering to hear what they face. And they don't need cliches; they need to know they have someone they can fall back on to help them walk through the challenges of following Jesus. I resolve to do a better job in this area.
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