Morning Rush

STANDING FIRM

2009-11-17T07:04:00.004-06:00

Standing on solid ground, remaining sound in the faith, and being steadfast to the Word have been the clarion call before I was ever converted. These were drilled into us in preaching school. Stand. Don't bend. Be firm. Each ordered us to never cower from the Truth.

What I didn't know is the cowering had already been done. The true church had been sold off at debate auction to the loudest bidders. Our claim to fame was we possessed the distinction of the one true New Testament church. The problem is we weren't exactly such. We were a mixture of Jewish-minded traditionalism, a version of the Lord's Supper, and semi-biblical worship services.

Certain texts had been set aside. Others had been ignored; i.e. the warning of holding to form rather than power. The Church of Christ is now known in many places for being all about form without power. Preaching of Jesus and him crucified had already been replaced by preaching the distinctive marks of the true church. Church of Christ was preached. And finally, the New Testament Holy Spirit had already been retired since including Him messed with our patented and now answerable doctrines.

True church? There is one. The one Jesus was and is building. I am taking my stand. I want in on that one. I don't want to be a part of the one I once was where wounded souls now litter our communities because they ran into the "true church" (us) and were mutilated by our harsh pronouncements of which we knew very little about.

You'll likely catch me slipping back into the Restoration Church of Christ on occasion, but I really want to be a part of the biblical one; that one where division and suspicion do not rule, but hunger for God does. I want to be a part of that one where I find myself really worshipping God rather than applauding ourselves for how good acapella sounds. I want to be a part of that church where every one counts, where the Word is still acknowledged but our pride in having stored up nearly all that can be known about God is not our trait.

I want to be a part of that distinctive church Christ is building where hope and joy and life abundant flow uncontrollably out of our mouths and into the streets where both the rich and the poor cross paths. That's where I want to stand.

I DELETED MY OWN POST

2009-11-16T15:42:00.004-06:00

Ah, now that was new experience. I posted a new blog an hour ago....ran my daughter-in-law to the airport....and came home and deleted the post.

Why? Oh, it just had to much whiny-ism in it. It doesn't matter....I cut it out.

Years ago I preached a constant barrage of brotherhood issues. It kept the church stirred. It kept me stirred. What I found out was I was tickling the ears of some strong-willed members I wanted to please. I was feathering my nest so-to-speak.

But it wasn't right. What I wrote an hour ago may have been acceptable; but it just wasn't right. It was too much back in that defensive mode of which I made a break years ago.

So write this post to say, Do what you can to break the bonds of impressing others. Just do away with it. God has much to say about Him. Preach about Him. Fill churches with the fresh news of the freshest news in the land. Nothing about the experiential God is boring nor uninteresting.

Fill the world with word about Him. May we tell what He's doing, where He's been, and where He's going. Plain people still want to know. They don't want to know about our pet peeves or our sour grapes. They want to know when and where the Jesus-stuff is going on.

I'm one who wants it to be going on where I preach. How about you?

OUR BLESSED DAY

2009-11-15T20:37:00.002-06:00

We've just had a great day! First, I wasn't feeling my best but it had no bearing on the Spirit and His ability to escort us through a marvelous day.

Early this morning Jason Thornton performed a wedding in the chapel at St. John's hospital. It was the first to be performed there. Scott Wallace and Kylah Ottinger were baptized three weeks ago, had a child Friday, and were married this morning. God really is putting their lives together.

Later in the morning Connie and Shawn were baptized. This is the couple that managed the Cove Apartments when back in the summer our small group had an ice cream social for the Cove's tenants. Who would have guessed a dish of ice cream would result in a family being added to the church? Well.....we would....we did.

Too, one of our Memorial families fell apart this afternoon due to sin. Why would I mention such a matter when the report was going so well? I write this because Memorial Drive doesn't live a Story Book life. We live a real life and both of these matters fit into the composite of what the church is like and who we are.

The latter couple will have some high hurdles. I'm believing they are at the right place at the right time. Too, they will now realize one more time what it means to be able to start life over.

Baptisms, marriages, and painful bruises; that's what our congregation is about. Perfect? No way. Placed in a perfect position to rest upon His finished works...absolutely. We have had a blessed day. We saw God emerge into our paths from all sorts of angles. We are much because He is everything!

COMMUNICATION HELPS

2009-11-14T14:48:00.003-06:00

I've experienced a major breakthrough in ministry. I learned it from my elders over a period of years; the value of communication. While This is nothing new could be shrugged, it is something very new and very needed among us.

By communication, I don't mean information transfer. I mean understanding each others' hearts. Memorial's elders/staff meetings are every Monday morning from 6:30 to 8:00. We have no minutes; old or new. We get together and just talk. Always we work on a few important matters to go over. But the bulk of the time is spent laughing at one of us--usually Ron or me--mixed with sharing stuff that concerns our hearts.

What I'm trying to describe is a secret to an elder/staff relationship I've never experienced nor heard of anyone else experiencing. We communicate heart to heart....not head to head...detail to detail...dot to dot. We have learned to appreciate where the other is coming from.

This has helped me immensely to relate to our part-time staff as well as our members. I've learned over the years what I knew academically but not practically; people vary in thoughts and needs and each variance is terribly important to the kingdom fabric.

I've calmed down. Agitation lessens for while I may not agree, I can understand where opposing views are coming from. The harmony isn't in agreeing on every detail. It is on grasping a truth that those who disagree often have good reason.

When we communicate with understanding---a deep-seated wanting to know why the other thinks the way he or she does---unity is much easier because we really desire to work with all involved. I believe much of the bitterness and hatred in church circles are perpetuated by rumor and assumption....but not by understanding for we rarely listen. We conclude without knowing the person with whom we have the debate.

Communication helps. When we get why some personalities take differing views and then speak to one another repeatedly in conversation as friends, God's work finally has a better chance of leaving the meeting rooms and impacting the streets.

HOW DO WE HANG IN THERE?

2009-11-13T16:40:00.002-06:00

A positive thing I like about the church is it works at being biblical based and spiritually responsible. When such is a central part of the kingdom fabric, we can count on stability.

Our world gets rocked with steady upset and discouragement. What do we do about it? How do we hang in there?

First, we admit every one's concerns are legit as each is doing his or her best to seek what's best for the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Any of us might be selfish, but certainly that is not our intent. And if we catch ourselves behaving that way, we are overall willing to back down.

Second, how we hang in there is we simply recall the empty tomb. Our God is the God of many things but I know of none more fascinating than being the Lord of possibilities. Our problems are not that challenges face us. Our basic struggle is that we forget He is both the provider and the protector when we feel absolutely clueless.

Now clueless I get! I know of no one in the kingdom more clueless....and that isn't a false humility statement. Show God your weakest link and He'll show you His mighty muscle. We can breathe easy and at the same time help others breathe easy because God will show us possibility.

How do we hang in there? Together. I hold on to you. You hold on to me. While we may be clueless...at least it will be together. Now this we can live with.

PEOPLE....WHAT WOULD I DO WITHOUT 'EM?

2009-11-12T21:12:00.003-06:00

Drink in the wonder of knowing and being with people. That's what I get to do everyday. I go to sleep thinking about it. I wake up thinking about it. Time may fly....but it will not be without me noticing the "right nowness" of....right now.

The presence of people fascinates me. I mean it. How did I get to be so fortunate to be a man instead of a locust? I revere the most splendid creations...people. I want to just look at you. Let me rephrase....I do sit and look at you.

While some eyes are struck by the beauty of an ocean kissing the sky blue yonder, other ears are satisfied with the strong voice which says, It's a girl. Grills give off summer scent. And, touch becomes so sensational in the simplest of hugs. Senses...how powerful they are. How easily they are taken for granted. Not so with me.

Nothing exhilarates like people. How do we drink in such wonder? God is right....the Spirit flows as a river and when He indwells people....then we sit beside the perfect stream...you and me in the togetherness of the moment. Moments matter.

I often say I am the luckiest man I ever met. Too many years passed by before I could genuinely make such a claim. But what's weird for me now is the older I get the more I seem to thirst for the finer things in life.....really good people.

People....what would I do without 'em? I'd be disappointed for sure.

MINISTRY IN FRONT OF US

2009-11-12T06:36:00.005-06:00

Would you be a part of a group, a team, or a circle of friends who dream about some mission in the kingdom? I am. I dream day after day. I imagine reaching everyone. I took a homeless man to Wal-Mart yesterday for work boots and gloves. I just wrote a young preacher this morning cheering him on as to what he can be. My prayer for Bill Maher to know God has never slacked.

We have much to do.

But I ask you a question while we each, to our faith credit, seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness. I ask you if you have been praying for your enemies?

Enemies are in our personal world. We must pray for them. Someone must. And we cannot be the cynic who prays for their demise. Have you prayed for the Major who gunned down the soldiers at Ft. Hood? I prayed for him this morning.

I pray that God would not hold one thing against him; not one dot of sin. I pray that this man would, in some unfathomable way to my small mind, find the peace of Christ and stand at the Judgment Day in linen white.

While we seek missions on a grand scale, I do not know of a more needed shift in the church heart than to see the enemy, pray for the enemy, and thank God for not holding their sins against them.

Radical? Oh, yes. One only finds this source of foolishness promoted from one small hill in ancient of days where a beaten man was publicly draped....yet continually uttering instructions about how to treat an enemy.....it was......coming from the Savior on the cross.

I think we have work to do.

IF THE WORLD FALLS down

2009-11-11T10:59:00.002-06:00

9/11 is forever etched into our minds. Desire to think the best competes with sobriety to think reality. The Muslim radicals are convincing. They are bent on extreme disruption.

I read a piece recently; whether fact or fiction, who would know? A presentation of terrorism was explicit. Ruin is forecast for those who are left behind. The warning was the next attack on America will be far more severe than 9/11.

The article caused me to wonder about us; especially our possibility and responsibility as we would operate actually on earth but perched from our citizenship's native land of heaven. What would we/should we/could we do? What if banks closed, highways became impassable, communication systems melt, and food and water supplies were disrupted?

Likely what might happen is man would turn on man in the name of survival. It is here we would want to train our people to lose our lives by caring for all others first. In that move, Jesus promises we would find the very life we surrendered.

What form would it take? How would it look? We won't really know until the actual event. But I do believe it valuable to know that if the world falls down....Christians will have a great option. We will not join the herd in panic; but will be a stable force of peace and hope.

Courage instead of fear. Compassion rather than self-serving. Love over fright. Calm over dread. His people will become even more needed as lighthouses to show the clear path to hope.

All of these things have been written assuming the world would fall down. Do you realize it already did and everything written above is the approach we are to take....now.

It isn't "if". It "is". We are on duty....now. We can do this.

IT JUST TAKES TIME FOR GOD TO HELP US ALONG

2009-11-11T07:06:00.003-06:00

Take a look at my last post and note the comment Cary made. Read what he wrote by clicking "here" on his comment. Then come back and I'll tell you another part of the story.

(Reading Cary's "here" comment right now.)

Are you back? All right. Here's something interesting about his referencing the multiples who respond each Sunday at the conclusion of the sermon. It is a fascinating thing to see. I don't take it for granted. If one responds for prayer it seems two to ten people will be down front joining them; sitting beside them in support.

How this got started was over twenty years ago our teens came back from camp. Immediately if one came forward at an invitation song, the whole group would move to the front as well. Crowded on the front pew and packed nearby on the floor, teens supported teens...and it was moving sight to behold.

But a large group of older folks didn't like it one bit. They called for a meeting and before the meeting was over they tried to have me fired over this. Their claim was this wasn't decent and in order.

I had no idea of Cary's blessing from such a scene. But I will join him in saying there is everything decent and orderly about it. It is called compassionate understanding and caring about others. That youth group now finds itself sprinkled about the nation carrying out decent and orderly works for the cause of Christ from their 35 to 40 year old bodies.

You can see why Cary's note blessed me more than he could have guessed for he had no clue about how we got to the point he would be so enriched.

For you? Don't quit during the hard stuff. I'm sure there are those who were pretty upset that evening about 20 years ago that don't feel like that now. Sometimes our reactions are just that...reactions. The good news is we grow up, don't we?

It just takes time for God to help us along...don't you think? Thank you Cary for pointing out another thing that goes right around this place.

A PLACE OF SECOND CHANCES X 70

2009-11-10T15:03:00.002-06:00

What was intended to be only a series for Bible classes for a quarter two decades ago has embedded itself into the fabric of Memorial. I was merely trying to think of some phrase to cover the over-all class theme. That was my job. And, it has become a life message to our community.

Jeff Buckman loved the concept. He had entrance and exit signs made for the parking lot, "A Place to Start Life Over". Today Jeff, as a young man, resides in heaven alongside David who visited us one Sunday....and eventually started life over. Both were good friends, died at young ages, and continue to impact this marvelous place.

Richard hadn't been to church in 20 years. At an invitation by his brother, he came to visit us. When he saw the phrase on the large exterior rug at the entrance, he wondered if it could be for him.....and it was.

Gail was headed to church....a different one. She pulled into the wrong parking lot and saw the canopy that reads "A Place to Start Life Over". She stayed and did.

Two months ago Scott and Kylah saw that same slogan on our lawn sign. So they came in...and did. We baptized them two weeks ago.

This phrase sticks. For years now it has signaled we are among a people who can start all over. That is the message of Jesus to the entire world...rebirth now!

For all who could use the phrase in your community, take it and run with it. Everyone we encounter has those battlefield moments where they wish for anything they could start life again. This is what Jesus is about. Nicodemus heard it first...and we pass the baton.

We are a people and a place of second chances x 70.

FISH AND LOAVES REVISITED

2009-11-09T18:25:00.004-06:00

First, today we cleared 250,000 hits on this blog. Thanks for the encouragement you have sent my way during this fun time.

Next, I was talking with my daughter, Wendy, today. Their congregation in North Atlanta has issued to every member (due to a generous donor) thousands of dollars to give away to the poor. Wendy and husband Chris and kids Hayden (6) and Campbell (4) have been studying various ways to share their assigned funds.

Initially, it has been a fun thing. As they find needs; a homeless family in Hayden's school, the hungry along the street, Wendy said the need is so staggering they feel they can't make any difference.

Isn't that how many of us feel about our portion of the kingdom work? Don't some feel overwhelmed regarding families without food while others grieve over children without homes? Still others try to think of how to spread good cheer while I, personally, strain to help everyone I can believe that they are valuable...and good enough to be saved.

Ours is a very challenging life....really. There isn't a need one can find but what further research will leave all completely overwhelmed by the size of monstrous need.

Enter Jesus. Remind us of that fish and loaves ordeal? How did that one go? He took too little and fed too many with too much? Is that how that went?

Yes and such is precisely what we need to remember. I don't know of a servant of Christ who does not appropriately and faithfully live in humility (humiliation) of feeling completely undone and overwhelmed by his or her assignment/calling. Such insists, therefore, that Jesus will have to do the grunt work of and for the body. He will be the provider. He will be the fruit-bearer.

Our job? To believe the impossible. May we count how little we have....and then turn it all over to him. Watch him make the difference.

WHY MEN ARE POOR LEADERS

2009-11-08T20:26:00.003-06:00

Ah, I might have titled that better. Too, my data is anything but professionally accumulated. From experience I share ideas as to why men are poor leaders.

First, I don't mean all men. Many are very good leaders. Neither do I mean men versus women are poor in leadership abilities. I believe many men are poor leaders; some choose to not lead at all. Why?

My opinion is just and only an opinion. My observation says men see ourselves as macho and we have an immediate image to protect as well as project. Therefore, it becomes paramount that we be in control. Being in control is supposed to be under God and not us...Romans 9:16.

We men hesitate to expose ourselves to areas of kingdom work where we don't already have some sort of confidence. Confidence in the Spirit is not sought because we tend to hide out only in those smaller zones of safety to the male ego.

Again, I am not saying that no men lead well. That isn't the truth. I am saying that many men in leadership roles in the church are not efficient because they are more concerned over protecting their image than providing courageous guidance. Men are cowardly when it comes to becoming what we are not; sensitive, compassionate, or understanding.

It is easier to rule than to lead. Too many men neither study the Word nor pray. I lived in that climate for years....as a preacher for the church. I worked from the guts and muscle I could muster; but not from admission I was a complete mess unless He stepped in.

Therefore, what works best for the male gender regarding leadership? I think vulnerability. We aren't much. God is. We don't know how to do most things. He does. We are of no adequacy...except that which comes from God...II Cor. 3:4-5.

A matter which has given me a boost in the kingdom work is to realize we are all alike....and we really need Him to help. When we humble ourselves, He promises His grace. Men need grace. Hiding in self-protection is not leadership. Launching out doing what little we can under the name of Jesus with hearts of humility will see that others have someone meaningful to follow.

Our greatest times of leadership, guys, is not when we conquer any portion of the world. It is when we rebel against our own spirit of insisting we come out looking good. Looking good is for God....it is called glory.

May we offer ourselves in authentic, unpretentious sacrifice. May the world notice our God.

BREAKTHROUGH....MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH

2009-11-07T07:02:00.003-06:00

Would you be discouraged if I tell you that the one great break you wish for has already happened to you? It isn't that you may have missed it; but it is possible you have forgotten the treasure you possess.

I speak of faith. Faith has taken a bad rap. First it got tossed into the five-step salad which left most with eyes focused on the big baptism conclusion. Because of that formula Faith was not just a part of but became the topic of debate against.....highlighting baptism.

Faith is the wrecking ball for the Christian community. It can say to a mountain, Go squat in the water, Jesus declares....and it will go. Faith can look at anything dead and believe it will live. It can notice something lacking and believe fulfillment will arise in that very place....Romans 4:17.

It is faith---not confession of sin nor baking of a pie for a needy neighbor---which takes the slightest or the largest bit of factual information and transforms (wrecks) its report. Remember the Spy-Report? It came down with overwhelming majority vote. Yet, Faith upset the democratic process.

Faith is THE major breakthrough for every heart. We can wipe away the tears and dismiss all fears. Because of Faith we can see hope when others see trouble. We can see probability when others see only problembility.

Faith....is a breakthrough...a major breakthrough....and you already have it.

Awaken to the wonder of yourself!

PREACHERS....IT'S FRIDAY AND SUNDAY'S COMING

2009-11-06T13:16:00.002-06:00

To a favorite class of guys, I address those who preach from Sunday to Sunday. I encourage you to prepare in a way God breathes on His people. Being one of us, you know I know the rigors of arranging words for the Sunday sermon. It still scares me...for what if I speak and what I say doesn't matter?

We want our sermons to live in the Holy Spirit. Our tendency is to smother the flock by our gathering multiples of stories, slogans, supportive quotes, etc. We possibly overload our lessons as we flesh out the sermon. "Flesh out" is a key warning. Our goal is to let the heart of God channel His voice through our lips to their ears.

One of the more difficult hurdles in sermon preparation is to relax. The responsibility before us is surely intense; but we must learn to trust Him enough to relax. God will work with us. No, I'm not suggesting laziness nor lack of preparation. I am calling for us to leave room for God to work. He loves to interject Himself into all works as He is actually partnering with us.

Trust the exposed Word. Trust it. I love it that each passage I read from my Bible is also on the large screen behind me. As the church looks at the words the Word is looking back at the church performing its MRI....Heb. 4:12.

Try---as hard as it is---to refrain from thinking of a good illustration and then building a sermon around it. Trust the exposed Word. Find illustrations to fit around the Word.

Try to be confident to tie a series of scriptures together which support one another. Usually my sermons have one point....whatever the theme is. I want the church to know there is hope and that hope will be found in one main point.

Finally, know you are good enough because Jesus make us that way. Pray for Him to speak in ways you would never guess your English words would convey. Sermons don't live because of our cleverness nor our antics; but because the Holy Spirit alerts the ears of the conscience of God coming through.

MORE LIKE JESUS

2009-11-05T19:52:00.004-06:00

There is a strong movement taking place in America. Churches are increasingly aware of the poor. There are more poor.

We are going to find ourselves challenged by his nature...interacting with people not of our culture. The church will want to encourage one another as long as it is called Today that we grow in hospitality to those who do not have the blessings we perceive ourselves to have.

There is a poor woman in our community who has begun to visit Memorial. When she sits at a table for class, most go to another table. Not until one or two brave souls draw to her, does the table fill. For most we certainly don't mind her being here....but we don't intend to interact.

Discouraged? Nope. Just pointing out what may be one of many new ways we will want to develop like Jesus. If we will address this, it could be that's all it takes for some as we simply tend to move about unconscious of following our most natural trail....friends.

Therefore, I encourage you to keep your eyes open for the strangers from our town. They are in great need of food. Many of them (as this woman) have no cars. They need help. One of the best gifts we can offer them first........is to notice their presence.

May we become more like Jesus with eyes for everyone in the room.

THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH

2009-11-05T06:55:00.003-06:00

What kind of statement is it when we claim we are the New Testament church? Does that justify our souls in God's sight? Is this supposed to cause those around us to go silent regarding debate and argument?

I believe Jesus established and continues to build his church. Too, I think what we look like today has little reflection of what he started and continues. The main reason is modern day believers have fallen for a New Testament Church Legal. Jump the hoops, dot the dottable and cross the crossable....wa la....there you have it....THE CHURCH!

A thing I like about the N.T. church of today is the legal is appropriately losing ground to the spiritual. Legal can be explained. Spiritual lavishes in mystery. Legal follows rules. Spiritual believes in the invisible supports from the heart. Legal bosses. Spiritual yields.

There is the true church. We want in on it. A thing going well today is the legal church is shifting to the spiritual. One area this is appearing is the transfer of activity from the building (of which the early N.T. church did not have) to the streets in service.

Our teens have led the way summer to summer via local and distant mission efforts. Congregations follow suit as ones in Ft. Worth, Memphis, St. Louis, Little Rock, and even the Contact Church of Christ in Tulsa are doing. These numbers are growing.

The church is gaining momentum when it wins fewer arguments and wins more hearts through the hands-on-touch of Jesus to the homeless and abused in society. More and more congregations, as is Memorial Drive, are beginning to see their meager efforts to the poor begin to open wider and wider doors.

It is an encouraging thing to see the N.T. church develop to look more like the N.T. Savior. Yes, we have baggage. Yes, we have lots to overcome. I'm both a part of the baggage as well as the obstacle to overcome. Nonetheless....we can be wide-eyed as the things which really matter (people) to the Son of God seem to be ever increasing to the N.T. church....his body.

A PROBLEM WITH ISMS

2009-11-04T06:53:00.007-06:00

Isms. Is that a word? Not exactly. It is the caboose to branding words; pharisaism, legalism, conservatism, etc.

A problem with isms is they ride upon the rails of comparative form. In order to be labeled as conservative such must be in comparison to some other standard. So, the question is, Conservative compared to what? Liberal compared to what?

Comparison isn't the first big problem with isms. The standard is. The standard tends to be each other. For we are not bold to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves; but when they measure themselves by themselves, and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding (II Cor. 10:12).

When the standard in kingdom life is others we become more like Republicans, Democrats, and Independents. When this happens Push often comes to Shove. This is why the religious world is such a gigantic and embarrassing mess. We live comparing what is good about us against what is wrong with them....whoever them happens to be who are not like us.

The Standard is? Jesus. He is the standard way, standard truth, standard life. It isn't enough to be doing assumed well in living by comparison to anything other than Jesus Christ. Until we arrive at The Standard we are off.

The problem with isms is they pit us one against another. Isms...according to God's law...leave us believing we know the truth; yet we do not have it because we do not understand.

The solution to isms is Jesus. When comparing ourselves to him.....we tend to step back and lay down our swords of accusation toward others of whom we assumed ourselves to be superior by comparison.

Now....this is a good post!

DID YOU SEE JESUS ON THE BIGGEST LOSER?

2009-11-03T21:00:00.002-06:00

The reality show The Biggest Loser hooked me when I didn't care to watch it. Too much sadness. But I can't help it, I have to see how well the contestants who remain are holding up.

Tonight Tracey lost. She's been an irritant to the other contestants along the way. Finally, she found she was the one voted off by her teammates. Tough times for her to be eliminated.

To wrap up her time on the show, various clips showing her workouts and interviews passed by. There was one scene where Jesus showed up. Did you catch it? It was when she flew back home to be greeted by family and a crowd of fans.

Did you notice her children's shirts? All of them wore purple tees that said "Jesus" on the front while the back quoted, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

One of my constant prayers is that Jesus would show up in the national/world media. Tonight...he did it again!

3RD BLOGIVERSARY CONTINUES

2009-11-03T06:41:00.004-06:00

Today marks the beginning of Cardinalmuseum's Morning Rush three years ago. It all began.....oh, never mind.

Looking over 1,113 posts....this is one of my favorites. I decided to dust it off and reprint for those three or four of you not around back then.

Friday, June 15, 2007

"HEAVEN, MEET HELL." "HELL, THIS IS HEAVEN."

Heaven and Hell met in a showdown at noon on Friday. Hell was boisterous tossing belligerent comments to and fro. Heaven was quite the opposite. To many it seemed Heaven was nearly a no-show. Hell marched onto the scene with multiple soldiers in proud array.

Curiosity seekers were sprinkled among the crowd. Intimidation was in the air. For Heaven's side? Well, only one representative entered the arena wearing a torn robe already matted with blood mixed with his own tears.

The crowd began to wonder if Heaven sent a soldier or a dog? Heaven barely limped onto the scene already beaten to a pulp overnight back in City Hall's dimly lit rooms by Hell's underground thugs .

Winning psychology? One blind could at least smell Heaven was not favored. Really, he had been brutally whipped before the fight was to begin. Hardly fair. The scene was so extremely imbalanced Hell began to take jabs with one hand tied behind his back.

The Cross, though, was more than timbers taking on descriptive formation. It was the locale where Heaven and Hell would meet to have it out...once and for all. Hell came well- prepared. Its Goliath presence would intimidate anybody.....anybody except Heaven, that is.

When the final round began, Heaven had a plan to undo Hell. Heaven would die so Hell would lose. The plot was amazing; yet, was not detected until days later. It was creation's most outlandish slug fest. It was a bloodbath. Hell walked away without a scratch. Heaven couldn't walk or talk.

Heaven died. Hell lived. However (and with Heaven there is the perpetual promise for everyone to own a "However"), Hell was blindsided by Heaven's astute scheme. Hell did not see his imminent fatality as he was too busy bullishly bragging to all creation. While he paraded his troops through the streets of Jerusalem in assumed victory, Heaven was rummaging through Hell's storehouse freeing prisoners like mad.

When Sunday got here the headlines were more shocking than Truman pulling out the election.

"HEAVEN DEFEATS HELL....TOTALLY!"

What a knock-out scheme. Heaven went to Hell. He died to get to Hell's core and deliver the fatal punch! Such bravery cannot be understood. Dark parking lots scare us.

We win, world, we win. On M-Day---Day of Misery---Hell forgot to sign the scorecard. Heaven only looked defeated. It was, however, merely fulfilling its V-Day plan.

We will never be the same....because Heaven met Hell and Hell was introduced to Heaven. Thank you God, for your brilliant plan for Victory!

HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY

2009-11-02T12:50:00.003-06:00

Can you tell me what is significant about November 3, 2006? That's when I put my first words onto my blog. I had accidentally established a blog the day before when I merely believed I was commenting on Tim's. Somehow I had set up my own blog and there were 200 hits in that one day....yet, no words. I didn't know anyone was looking in. I didn't realize what I had done.

So, on that date I began to put words to the page. There have been over 248,000 hits since. Of course, one needs to know nearly 247,000+ of those are mine checking to see if anyone looked in!

Therefore I take you back three years to ponder my very first blog. It was nearly the same sentiment as my first day in first grade. Take a look at the words from a "green novice".

And...thanks for faithfully checking in from time to time.

Happy Blogiversary to me!

WHAT'S THE VALUE OF BLOGGING (11/3/06)

As I see it, the blogsites are defeating privacy fences. We are becoming neighbors once again. Blogs allow our visits to be brief while our days remain free to get so much done. There is value in gaining connectedness in a world which seems so crowded, yet leaves some feeling so lonely. I am all for seeing that all feel absolutely connected to someone. I'm not sure how often I can or will pay attention to this site. I am a very green novice. I know this....people are important. In future notes, I will join with many others to be another voice to cheer you on.

For now....enjoy your weekend!

Terry

THE ROLE OF OTHERS

2009-11-01T16:17:00.004-06:00

Others are key to how well any of us are doing. We are neither an island nor an isolated work. We are a church....full of variation....filled with multi-giftedness.

The role of others is as important (if not more) than our personal role. Others are the stage from which our works live or die. We are a group...unit.

This is why we must see that all of us are in good health in the Spirit. The blood of Jesus must be pumping throughout the body for all organs to be repeatedly cleansed, refreshed, and rebuilt. The overall body must go into all of the world; we can't make it alone. Jesus couldn't do it from one body and neither can we.

Jesus sent his Spirit to live in multiple bodies...the group. He is everywhere. Everywhere.

The great thing about getting to be an individual is we are among the "others" for everyone else. We count. We matter. We contribute to the new body of Christ.

Awaken to your own value as you begin to notice it in all others. We.....make a great difference....together!

RELATIONSHIPS ON EDGE...AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM

2009-10-31T07:17:00.006-05:00

Every class of men and women suffer extensively in the same area....relationships. From Hollywood tabloids to any local newspaper's divorce column, people aren't getting along. The matter is epidemic. Basically, the church is of little help.

Understand that I know many relationships are great and that the church in places is a life-saver to families. What I am saying is one need not possess a microscope to find societal trouble in getting along to be of crisis proportion.

Interpersonal bonds are suffering. Families are indifferent, hateful, and stubborn toward one another and others day after day. Fracture has become a way of life.

What can be done about it? Men and women must learn to build a relationship with God that is both preeminent and dominant. Individuals cannot treat another individual well on their own. They must know God and have God to pull off any and every successful connection with another.

Francis Shaeffer wrote, If man tries to find everything in a man-woman or a friend-to-friend relationship, he destroys the very thing he wants and destroys the one he loves. He sucks them dry, he eats them up, and they as well as the relationship are destroyed. But as Christians we do not have to do that. Our sufficiency of relationship is in that which God made it to be, in the infinite-personal God, on the basis of the work of Christ in communication and love.

This could sound terribly trite...or smug. But if one really wants to know what cures the bulk of society's ailment, it would be good men and women leaning more on God than each other. If not, the trend of shatter and destroy will eclipse the pace now being endured.

An odd thing about considering an article like this is how quickly one can think of someone else who ought to read this....rather than ponder it at length for personal evaluation.

THE SOLUTION TO BEING STUCK

2009-10-30T07:16:00.003-05:00

In my earlier years of ministry, I had a significant philosophical problem. Because of it I didn't shine for Jesus; but rather glared for me. I would become stuck.

If plans failed, I would be stuck in misery. If some spoke harshly to me; I would burrow into the safety of depression while rehearsing in my head their words coupled with their facial expressions. Should I encounter disappointment, I could not let it go. Rather, I replayed it with microscopic analysis.

I was dejected and my days were dismal. That affords little room for effective leadership, would you guess?

By His grace I began to learn how to turn those muddy waters into valuable assets. Give me one guess as to why you think I am so devoted to encouraging everyone I can? Would it be because I have a clue as to the height, depth, and width of great need for building people up? Is it any wonder God points out the reason for gathering is to BUILD ONE ANOTHER UP UNTO LOVE AND GOOD DEEDS?

So the solution to becoming unstuck is what? Bury the trash. Get rid of it. Go to your mind and note all of the junk you seem to focus upon and immediately hit "Delete". Let it go. Don't carry it around with you. Don't ponder how to get even or how to explain your side or how to manipulate others to come around. Drop it. Let it go.

To get out of being stuck, one would need to do what. MOVE ON. So? MOVE ON. Let the garbage go. Fill up your mind with all the good things going right in life. Philippians 4:4-8....is the perfect guide to move on. Do it.

SEVEN TRAITS OF A GOOD ELDER?

2009-10-29T06:47:00.004-05:00

I'm not an elder; never have I been. But I've worked closely with about seven sets in my tenure at Memorial Drive. I have been in countless meetings. While various congregations are plagued and stymied by poor leadership among the elders, I've enjoyed several years of the opposite.

Therefore, I write this post hoping to salute the good guys among us while possibly inspiring some mediocre ones to greater effectiveness as well as efficiency. Here are a few things to consider about the good guys:

Every one of them learns something pertinent in becoming an elder in which they had been guilty of criticizing elders before they became one. Their understanding deepens.
Members can find it easy to form major (even stubborn) opinions when they know little of how shallowly they speak.
Elders spend days and night in tears over those in secret pain as well as those who find it easy to criticize. Their love for both is reflective of The One.
The good elders are not jealous of one another. There is no power struggle.
The effective elders refuse to be pigeon-holed in the foyer by a critic. They possess an uncanny courage to direct that dear member to the one with whom they have the problem and allow God to work it out. Too much division among us has been unnecessary because weak elders would not stand up to overbearing and outspoken members.
The good elders are willing to stand upon their view of the Bible without fear of what other flocks may mistakenly assume or conclude.
The closer a shepherd is to the cross the more he will be accused of wrong-doing as was the case with The Shepherd. Find it no accident that those in the "religious know" nailed the Chief Elder to the cross as a fake and weak leader. The good elder lives from his cross with neither defense nor complaint.

We are blessed to have the good guys on our side. To the good guys and to those who are becoming to good guys....we salute you!

THE AUTOMATIC CHURCH CHALLENGE

2009-10-28T13:55:00.004-05:00

Every congregation will have to do battle with itself somewhere along the way. Some will find success. Others will lose.

What is the battle? Staying young.

If not careful, older members will interpret staying young as going liberal. Such might be the case. However, often vigor and energy is sacrificed at the expense of keeping those who have been around happy. One doesn't need to be 80 or 90 for this affect to strike. It can happen when 40 and 50.

Churches are withering because they are stuck. They are stranded upon a verse that gives them great, but pseudo, satisfaction; many are called but few are chosen. Remember the narrow path....they say.

What are we going to do about these young people, older ones ponder. That's the wrong question. I'm in the older group; I'm 62. The question is what are we going to do to keep the older ones new?

Though the outer man is decaying, the inner man is being renewed, wrote Paul. The automatic church challenge is to keep the inner man from traipsing close behind the outer man's decay process. We who have been around the church block will find ourselves increasingly challenged to be attentive to God's leading of the entire church....not just the way we always done it before.