Reality Check

God's Timing

2008-08-16T10:39:00.000-07:00

I feel like the last 9 months have been a perpetual lesson in the timing of God. Since making the switch to Real Life our family has constantly been put to the test to trust God's slow unfolding plans. At times this has stretched my faith more than I thought was necessary. Honestly, if God's spiritual growth plans for my life were left entirely in my hands, I'd be still at square one.

As I reflect on where God has taken us on this wild 9 month ride, I'm amazed. There was the sale of our house during a time when house were hard to sell. By today's standard, moving it in about 12 weeks was not bad! Then there were the adjustments our kids have made with this move. Brad & Andy are going to be sharing an apartment as the start off to college at Vincennes Univeristy in the fall. (Still hard to live 325 miles apart from them!). God has surrounded Caleb with a lot of new friends at his new school Mansfield Christian and he now owns the nickname "Hoosier."

And Kelly has just been hired as a full-time kindergarten teacher in the city. This answer to prayer took the longest and was the most challenging for all of us. It was hard to wait for a phone that refused to ring. But finally a call came last week for her to go for an interview on a full time sub position. When she took a resume to school this past Tuesday, God's door flung wide open as she ended up getting a class of 20 kindergarteners instead of the subsitute job.

The timing of God is still mysterious to me. Sometimes I have thought I had a pretty good grip on when God was going to do something only to be left wondering why the door didn't open when I thought it was suppose to. At other times God's timing has been way ahead of my expectations. It's strange how calm I have felt at times and then how uneasy I have felt with the waiting period.

It seems that much of our lives is about waiting, praying and hoping. I am feeling like I still have so much to learn about God's timing. One thing I am definite about is that God definitely knows what's best for me and I have to trust Him that in His time He will do all things well.

While I think about all this I'm aware that we're still in waiting mode with God when it comes to finding a home. As a friend has often reminded me, "God's timing is always perfect." Amen to that!

$4.09 & Holding!

2008-08-07T05:02:00.001-07:00

Eddie's Sunoco (seems every town has one) is just up the street from me. For the past 6 weeks their sign has listed a gallon of gas for $4.09. Six weeks ago, I got it, but today I am mystified that they insist on trying to sell liquid gold at that price when every station with in a mile radius is listing it for $3.65. Is it any wonder that I have not seen a car at Eddie's pumps for a long time. From what I have heard, they basically got stuck with a tank full shortly before the bottom dropped out.(Funny to think 3.65 means the bottom dropped out!)

They refuse to take the loss so they're waiting for the price to swing up again. As an exasperated customer at the pumps, I certainly hope their hopes aren't realized. No matter what other stations are doing to adjust to the current conditions, Eddie's is not about to change or compromise or cave in.

Everytime I drive by their station I begin thinking that this is the attitude some churches have with their methods. They refuse to adjust according to the present age we serve. Instead they pride themselves that they still do what they've always done. It matters not that people quit pulling up to their soul stations long ago. They pride themselves that they're still a $4.09 church in a $3.65 culture. They rationalize that if people want their product bad enough, they'll give in and buy into their systems.

I certainly don't think we should sell out the truths of God's word at bargain prices. That should never be discounted. What I'm aiming at is the way we do things. Take, for instance, the little tradition I remember having where I grew up. On your birthday the whole congregation honored you with a birthday song. But even that was on the condition that you cough up some coins to pay for the tribute. As they would sing, you came to the front of the church where someone held out a plastic church or birthday cake with a coin slot. Your job was to drop the coins in the slot before the song was over. Most churches are past that today but rest assure, there was more than a mild battle to do away with that tradition in some churches.

So we continue to make decisions with traditions we are willing to hold or discard for the sake of the community. Hymns or praise songs? Sunday school or small groups? KJV or other versions of the Bible? Selling to or giving to the community? The list goes on. For some churches have a take it or leave it approach to the neighborhood ($4.09). And eventually people stop coming! Other churches understand the realities of our day and adjust even when it makes them a little uncomfortable for the sake of connecting with those who still need to know the Savior.

Eddie's will ride it out and probably turn the corner eventually. I'm not so sure that many churches will be as fortunate if they keep holding out for something that worked well years ago but is dead in the water today.

Defining Moments

2008-08-05T12:54:00.000-07:00

C.N.N. came out with 25 defining moments from their 1st 25 years of broadcasting:

 Anita Hill testimony

 Baby Jessica's rescue

 Black Monday on Wall Street

 Clinton-Lewinsky scandal

 Columbia/Challenger disasters

 Columbine school shootings

 Fall of Berlin Wall, communism

 Florida recount in 2000 election

 Genocides in Rwanda, Bosnia

 Gulf wars

 John F. Kennedy Jr.'s death

 Los Angeles riots in 1992

 Nelson Mandela's freedom

 O.J. Simpson trial

 Oklahoma City bombing

 Osama bin Laden

 Pennsylvania miners' rescue

 Princess Diana's death

 Reagan's presidency and death

 September 11 attacks

 Tiananmen Square

 Tsunami devastation

 Waco stand-off

 William Kennedy Smith trial

 World Series earthquake

Do you remember these events? Many of the things that occurred altered the way we viewed our world from that point forward. Most of these events were far reaching and unmistakably defining for our culture.

Yet away from the headlines and spotlight, each of us has had personal defining moments. We are who we are today because of them. We can look back at previous life experiences and clear connect the dots between past and present. Still, at other times, life's tipping points don't leap off the pages of our autobiographies. It's only by looking back that we come to realize we've become the persons that we are today because of subtle decisions made a long time ago.

And I contend churches also have defining moments that open the door to who they will become tomorrow. What decisions have been reached by past leaders that have had a direct bearing on the mission, vision and values the church owns today?

Has The Church Quit on America?

2008-07-03T09:01:00.000-07:00

It's very likely that there will be some culture bashing in our pulpits this Sunday. The reason? It's the 232nd birthday of America. There are certainly a lot of talking points to present the case that our nation is going deeper into moral debt then we were even 5 years ago. Most church goers realize this and don't need a long list of immoralities to substantiate the claim.

While most clergy will appeal to the saints for prayers of revival in the land, my fear is the sadder result of such sermonizing is that we are cultivating flocks who are, first of all, thankful they are "more virtuous" than their unchurched neighbors, and secondly, more resolved to avoid rubbing shoulders with those who need to experience God's transforming love.

Is there not a risk we take when we attack the culture that the collateral damages are the hearts of men and women we're suppose to be reaching? Admittedly, it's unnerving to see the widening chasm between faith and country. Many wonder if our shot at reclaiming America for Christ is long gone. If that's true, is the church suppose to just give up on the U.S.?

We are burning the bridges of hope between church and culture. We are becoming churches of lesser purpose. It's a lot less demanding when we burn the bridge to lost people but we sacrifice too much in the process. In truth, the moment we give up on the neighborhood, we really have no right to call ourselves Christ's church. We abandon the very cause that propelled Jesus to carry the cross.

These are challenging times for the church in America but quitting is not an option. Jesus prayed that His own would not withdraw, burn bridges or throw hand grenades at the culture but instead cross the bridge that leads us back to the people Jesus loves. Granted, it won't be easy, since the first thing we have to do is some bridge repairs. God give us vision and strength to do the hard work of reaching those who are so far away.

The Way It Felt This Morning

2008-06-27T12:47:00.000-07:00

I had a horrible run this morning! I know that's not a very positive start to this post but that's just the truth. I hated everything about that experience. I have been hobbled for the past few months and have been much more on and off with running than I hoped. I rolled out a bed at 4:12 a.m to meet running partners for an "easy" 6 mile run. Though the three of us started together, at the second mile I began to fade fast. At 5:15 in Mansfield it's still not daybreak and so I did my best to try to keep them in my sights as we weaved through the streets of Woodland. Thankfully the streetlights helped for another 2 miles but by then day was easing in as the inched away from my sight. I knew the next 2 miles would be spent totally on my own until I got back to the Y.

By now my legs were slowing and my body was aching. Those thoughts of running the Akron Marathon this fall seemed to fade just like my running partners who ran out of sight. With each stride, I felt less sure as a runner and more inclined to just walk. Finally my shuffle was replaced by a 300 yard stroll. I knew I needed to run back to the finish. After all, that's what I've taught myself. While will power was ebbing away, I reshuffled my weary feet while my heart was still walking along. It did not feel any better as I trudged along. To make matters worse, I lost my way on the streets of the Woodland community. I took educated guesses at each street corner but continued down less familiar lanes and streets. I had a vague idea of where I needed to go but felt stuck in an unreal dream.

The place was quiet and seemingly deserrted. I had entered my own Twilight Zone. I was running, but where was I heading? I was moving but had no joy at all? As much as I hated the experience I really started to realize something. That's how lostness and emptiness feel in the soul. I guess my moment of misery pales with those who go through those feelings everyday detached from God. For me it was a temporary nightmare of the flesh. Imagine living that in spirit everyday!

U Haul In The Driveway

2008-06-08T05:53:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow we pull out of Dover Hill Indiana for good. This long slow good bye over the past six months was not easy. Over that time each week I had to leave my family for Ohio. In some ways that felt like a scene replayed in the movie "Groundhog Day." It was nice to wake up this morning knowing that the sureal experience is over finally.

As Kelly and I took one last walk down the Dover Hill Gate Road this morning, I thought over the last 13 years lived, tucked away in the hills of southern Indiana. A lot of joys and heartaches marked the landscape of my memory, with clusters of ordinary days randomly tucked along the way. This final walk was a symbolic close of this big chapter of our lives.

When the U-Haul pulls out in tomorrow morning, we will be down to three along with our family dog. We leave behind to boys who into turned young men. (This is not easy for us to do.) We leave a house that became our home for nearly 4 years. We leave a small community where every one knows every one else. We leave behind friendships, knowing some will fade while others will last, though miles separate.

We drive east to build a new life. To experience many beginnings. Mansfield Ohio is much larger than Dover Hill Indiana. There are new friendships that will form. New challenges to meet at as pastor of the Real Life Community Church. There are new roads to cover and sights to take in. There will be new memories to make.

I am thankful for the journey God has brought us safely through. It has been quite a ride!

Feeling The Sting of Letting Go Once Again

2008-05-20T14:40:00.000-07:00

This Saturday it's time, once again, to sit in a gym and watch another of our sons turn his tassell.

Brad is our third to graduate from Shoals Community Schools. We are proud of him and his special achievement. We pray God's leadership to guide him in this great big world.

This week an old Wayne Watson song runs through my head and heart, "Watercolor Ponies."

There are watercolour ponies

On my refrigerator door

And the shape of something I don't really recognize

Brushed with careful little fingers

And put proudly on display

A reminded to us all of how time flies

Seems an endless mound of laundry

And a stairway laced with toys

Gives a blow by blow reminder of the war

That we fight for their well-being

For their greater understanding

To impart a holy reverence for the Lord

But baby, what will we do

When it comes back to me and you

They look a little less like little boys every day

Oh the pleasure of watchin' the children growin'

Is mixed with a bitter cup

Of knowin' the watercolour ponies

Will one day ride away

And the vision can get so narrow

As you view thru your tiny world

And little victories can go by with no applause

But in the greater evaluation

As they fly from your nest of love

May they mount up with wings as eagles for His cause

Economic Pinch of Reality?

2008-05-15T18:44:00.001-07:00

Ever feel like nobody is paying much attention these days? Many of us are facing tough economic times. People are losing their homes because they can't pay their mortgages. Jobs continue to take flight overseas while the U.S. job market erodes a little more each day. Medical expenses are chipping away at the security many seniors thought they planned for when they retired. People are having to decide between paying $4 for a gallon of gas or basic food to feed their families. Despite what economic experts tell us these days about optimism for the future market it's hard to believe their polyanna forecast. These are extremely difficult days for most Americans.

I grow more frustrated with the seemingly scripted news reports that better days are around the corner. Why am I less optimistic? Just listen to the people that want to lead our country. What REAL solutions are they putting on the table for the average American? I simply hear vague and empty promises of fixing what's wrong. When will the pundits break the news that everyone seems to realize but the talking heads? The truth is we are in big trouble! We raise our voices but who is listening?

Maybe this isn't really all that bad though. Whether leaders want to admit it or not, this economic crisis may bring about some positives that may lead us back to a more spiritually-minded country. Here are a few that come to my mind.

We may learn that we can live with less than we thought we had to have to experience happiness. Maybe we will find that forced simplification will ultimately lead us to more contentment.

We may really learn to trust God to meet our basic needs, just like our grandparents and their parents had to when times were tough. Maybe we will have to get stretched beyond our dollar bills before we uncover better and deeper faith.

We may begin to really experience the commuity of sharing to meet needs. Instead of competing to have the most on the block we will learn to give and receive with true gratitude and humilty.

WHAT OTHER POTENTIAL GOOD DO YOU SEE COMING FROM THESE FINANCIALLY STORMY TIMES ???

Current Favorite

2008-02-19T05:44:00.000-08:00

CASTING CROWNS

"Praise You In This Storm"

I was sure by now

God You would have reached down

And wiped our tears away

Stepped in and saved the day

But once again, I say "Amen",

and it's still raining

As the thunder rolls

I barely hear Your whisper through the rain

"I'm with you"

And as Your mercy falls

I raise my hands and praise the God who gives

And takes away

And I'll praise You in this storm

And I will lift my hands

For You are who You are

No matter where I am

And every tear I've cried

You hold in Your hand

You never left my side

And though my heart is torn

I will praise You in this storm

I remember when

I stumbled in the wind

You heard my cry to you

And you raised me up again

My strength is almost gone

How can I carry on

If I can't find You

But as the thunder rolls

I barely hear You whisper through the rain

"I'm with you"

And as Your mercy falls

I raise my hands and praise the God who gives

And takes away

I lift my eyes unto the hills

Where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord

The Maker of Heaven and Earth

Real Ministry

2008-02-13T11:00:00.000-08:00

What is the perfect environment for effective ministry? It's probably not as you imagine. God's is repeatedly showing me something. Ministry occurs amid messes.

Just consider the following incident from Acts 6:1-7

During this time, as the disciples were increasing in numbers by leaps and bounds, hard feelings developed among the Greek-speaking believers—"Hellenists"—toward the Hebrew-speaking believers because their widows were being discriminated against in the daily food lines. So the Twelve called a meeting of the disciples. They said, "It wouldn't be right for us to abandon our responsibilities for preaching and teaching the Word of God to help with the care of the poor. So, friends, choose seven men from among you whom everyone trusts, men full of the Holy Spirit and good sense, and we'll assign them this task. Meanwhile, we'll stick to our assigned tasks of prayer and speaking God's Word." The congregation thought this was a great idea. They went ahead and chose— Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, Nicolas, a convert from Antioch.Then they presented them to the apostles. Praying, the apostles laid on hands and commissioned them for their task.

The Word of God prospered. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased dramatically.

Not least, a great many priests submitted themselves to the faith.

1. Just because you seek to do good doesn't mean everyone is going to see it that way.

People lost sight of the fact that hungry widows were being fed because people were caught up in measuring the church's compassion for certain groups i need. I've learned that Satan doesn't back off just because we get serious about serving.

2. Working harder may not be the solution to every ministry problem.

The leaders understood their calling and what it took to navigate through the issue at hand. Instead of doubling up their work load, they clarified what they were suppose to do and how to resolve this matter in a wise and creative fashion.

3. Out of ministry problems, new ministers emerged.

Some of the names listed on this newly appointed team became very high profile influencers for the Kingdom (Phillip & Stephen) while others assumed a much quieter role. Out of the mess came more ministers who would impact the world.

4. Staying faithful to do what you're suppose to do will pay off.

God seemed to bless because the 12 seemed committed to follow His agenda instead of the wants and wishes of others. It takes a lot of discipline to stay true to your calling at times when it seems troubles demand attention at every corner.

5. Difficulties that seem insurrmountable may, in fact, become pathways to more dramatic ministry impact.

At the end of the day it was noted that some pretty powerful things followed this crisis. God's word flourished. The spiritual birth rate spiked. The Message was getting through some of the most Gospel-resistant people in the city.

MINISTRY WILL GET MESSY AT TIMES. THAT'S THE WAY REAL MINISTRY GOES! AT LEAST THAT'S HOW I SEE IT.

Seven & Saved

2008-02-11T09:30:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was Skylar's day. When the invitation to receive Christ was given at yesterday's service, there was no hesitation. This was the day a child stepped forward into the outstretched arms of the Savior. He knew what he needed and went to the One who could forever effect his destiny.

I thought about what life would be like as a 7 year old today. Born in 2001, he was oblivious to the terrorist attacks that rocked our nation. For all he knows gas has always been costly, our military always in harms way, and the Patriots always play in the Super bowl.

This child is just starting to live, and though he may not fully realize it now, Skylar made a life defining decision at the end of yesterday's worship service. I looked out on the crowd yesterday, as I announced his new birth and I had to wonder how many rejoiced for him while asking themselves, "What if I had given my heart that early in life?" What needless pain could many of us have avoided if we started the Christian race a little or a lot sooner in life!

I wondered how Skylar must have felt when we announced that he had become a Christian. What did he feel inside when others applauded his decision? Just how did heaven react the moment this young man bent his knees and folded his hands in the presence of the King?

How will being saved at seven effect his life at 15 or 25 or 40 or 80? What plans does God have to impact our world through him. I know a lot of people seem to get more excited when a "grown up" begins a personal relationship with Jesus. But today I'm celebrating with Skyler and a host of others who witnessed the moment Christ became real at the altar of his heart.

A Touchy Topic

2008-01-31T14:06:00.000-08:00

I've been pastor of Real Life for 6 weeks and I'm already preparing my first talk on giving. It is part of the current message series based on David Jeremiah's book, "Signs of Life." Of the 5 critical factors for having a lasting impact on the world, an open hand is one of them.

There was a time I was extremely nervous about addressing this issue. When I started pastoring way back in the 80s t.v. evangelists were falling left & right over corrupted fund raising schemes, driven by cheap manipulative tactics, motivated by personal greed. I decided I didn't want to be identified with those hucksters. Of course, it may be hard to believe today, but back then I had enough hair to look the part! The fallout made me extremely timid on any direct messages about giving.

Today I don't apologize for bringing up the subject from the pulpit. Still as I talk about giving this weekend, I'm not going to try to shame anyone into it. I am sensitive to the fact that there are people that are going to be at Real Life that wish they could do more Kingdom giving but are strapped down with heavy weights of debt. We're now looking at ways to help people who are at that point in life.

I am not even going to preach with the ultimate aim of increasing weekly offerings at the church. Instead, I'm going after hearts this weekend. It's not even about giving a tenth of your income any way. It's about surrendering it all to God's control. It's not about raising cash for another venture in the church. It's about opening up our hearts and then our hands to bless those around us that God may lead us to help.

I think Real Life Givers are people who are ready and willing to unleash resources whenever God says, "Let go." They are people who are joyfully free from culture's chronic "need-to-have-more" feeling and instead find pleasure in helping those who are in desparate need.

Examples?

a single mom trying to raise 3 kids,

a senior citizen who can't pay for both medicine and an electric bill,

a college student preparing to serve on a mission field who can't afford to buy textbooks

I really think when it comes to giving, if our hearts are in the right place, God will give Real Life Church more than abundant resources to carry out His plans for our future.

No More "Back Pew"

2008-01-31T13:55:00.000-08:00

I decided to dump the name I have been using for a few reasons.

It got boring
There aren't any pews at Real Life
I really don't sit in a chair typically when I get inspired to write. Thoughts hit me normally when I go for a run.

Why Reality Check?

If I pastor a church called Real Life, I suppose REALity should be the benchmark for the things I blog.
I hope this decision will lead me to write relevant, practical stuff for any one who stumbles on this site.
I'm going to try to build off of weekly messages or anything else that has to do with living out faith past Sunday.

FOCUS

2008-01-08T05:36:00.000-08:00

What's my focus going to be today?

I just read the Acts 1:4-8 passage where Jesus is about to vanish from earth. He's having his final talk with the core group. The theme is FOCUS. They want to go past city limits. Are they anxious to get started with the work? But he says DON'T GO...STAY.

I woke up thinking of all the stuff I need to get done today & I think these words were meant for me. STAY & FOCUS in order to Stay Focused!

Why Stay? To get full on God's presence and power. It's the determining factor to which kingdom we will set our eyes upon. The one with a capital "K" or the lesser "k."

Is It a New Year or Just Another One?

2008-01-01T08:56:00.000-08:00

Last night I was with friends, watching the Time Square Ball go down as the we counted in the New Year. Soon the year 2008 flashed on the sceen we prayed and I crawled into bed. 45 times I have seen old monthly calendars replaced by new ones. But what does it really mean? Is January 1st 2008 much different than December 31st 2007?

I think for many people it's just waving good-bye to one year so we can welcome more of the same in the next. The risk, of course, is that we wakeup with little imagination or dreams of better things ahead. It is easy to sell ourselves short of great possibilities because we don't capitalize on the natural break in time to look inside, make changes and aim towards new or better stuff with the start of a New Year.

It's not too late to start right now to set out for a higher level of God-pleasing activities. Become a better follower of His. Become a stronger friend and a difference-maker for some one who needs some hope. Get bolder in doing those things God asks of you. Just start to day to really make this a New Year and not just another one.

Christmas Eve 2007

2007-12-24T14:36:00.000-08:00

Sitting in the basement of my in-law's as I type my final post of the year... I think. It was a windy chilly day spent in Zanesville Ohio. Unlike past December 24ths spent eating sweets into oblivion, I loved the way this day began. We loaded up and headed to a gym to work out. There was everything available to do to get healthier. Weights, treadmills, swimming pool, indoor soccer and basketball courts and a 1/8th mile track. And since it was Christmas eve, there was a plate of fudge by the coffee pot. That's why we work out, right?

It was cool to meet an 87 year old lady who is the swimming instructor to my mother-in-law and a group of older women who show up every Mon., Wed, and Fri. A widow who cares for 90-something sister, she is teeming with energy and joy. I think God placed her in my mother-in-law's life at the right time. Over a year ago, mom was recovering from breast cancer. This very energetic lady, in her own right, lost a lot of steam through her surgery and treatments. Thanks to Bea, the instructor, she was inspired to make a full recovery. In truth, my mother-in-law probably has more pep in her step than I can recall in years! I had the opportunity to thank this special lady and told her that I believe God put her in LaDonna's life at a perfect time.

Don't you believe God puts people in our lives for a special purpose? I do. Right now I am trying to learn a ton of new names and faces at Real Life. I am thankful for the opportunity to have our lives intersect at this point in time. Only God knows the purposes which allow peoples lives to intertwine.

As I reflect on the people who have been a part of my life over the year, I think of many who have touched mine at Dover Hill and the community. Some I have known for more than 13 years, while others were but for a short time. As I reflect on this Christmas Eve, I think of the One little life in Bethlehem, so many years ago, that has transformed and still impacts the lives of those who meet Him. Today I celebrate the many lives that have blessed my life, most most of all, the life of Jesus Christ, My Savior and coming King!

I WEPT THIS WEEK

2007-12-16T17:59:00.000-08:00

It has been a week of tears for me.

On Friday
I pulled out of my driveway in southern Indiana loaded down on my first trek to Mansfield Ohio to become the senior pastor at Real Life. I was 1/10th of a mile down my country road when the tears started to flow. I drove by homes I had travelled past over 13 years. Many of those homes reminded me of people, whose lives I had the privilege to touch. There was Alice who experienced a radical life-change with Christ, Jamie who met the Savior over a smoke detector battery that was passed out by a youth in our church, Lavada who was the first to greet our family with her now deceased husband, Dale, Tom & Audie who both found Christ during our stay and now actively serve as spiritual leaders, and I could add many others. I drove by these homes humbled that God would accomplish so much in this little community. I wept at the thought of how much I have loved and been loved by these people. I wept with gratitude that God allowed us to see Him move on so many hearts during our stay.

On Sunday I rose out of my bed and peeked out my window overlooking a new place of ministry. On a cold wintry morning I crept down the highway and turned into Real Life's parking lot. This would mark the start of a new chapter in ministry. What I found inside were warm welcoming people, eager to begin this new journey together. There are names to learn and stories that wait to be told. As the countdown to worship began I slipped into my seat. In moments, the singing began and I sensed the very nearness of God come over me. Once again, I wept. I know I wept because I wished Kelly and my sons were seated beside me instead of being back home and I'm sure I wept because I knew that many faces I have grown accustomed to seeing were no where to be found. But most of all, I wept because I was overwhelmed by a God who has graciously called me to such a tremendous place to serve. I wept because I know I'm so unworthy to be senior pastor of Real Life. I wept because I knew He was about to start a new work in me and in those who are in my care. I wept because I caught a glimpse of what God is about to do in the Mansfield-area.

Gracious Farewell

2007-12-10T11:53:00.000-08:00

I am leaving a great church! Because I am following God's lead, I do not go kicking and screaming. I head to Ohio to start my new assignment at Real Life in Mansfield with a lot of excitement and yet I will look in my rear view mirror, thankful to have been a part of something God has blessed beyond what I could have imagined.

This weekend the Dover Hill CUC family gave us a memorable send off. On Saturday they had a dinner, presented us with gifts and even had a pastor's roast. Above all, they surrounded Kelly and I and prayed God's blessing on our next ministry chapter. God's presence overwhelmed us all!

Sunday morning marked my final message. Ironically, it was raining as heavy as it was the first Sunday we arrived in this community in November 1994. I shared about the deep bond Apostle Paul had with the Philippian congregation expressed by 4 qualities found in 1:3-7.

(v.3) Thankful Memories (I took the church through funny & spiritually defining moments of Dover Hill's last 13 years.
(v.4) Joyful Prayers (We reviewed some of the ways God answered our prayers and how, only through prayers did the church get this far)
(v.5) Strong Partnership (Some of the greatest bonding experiences experienced here have been not at a table but through serving. Examples were shared)
(v.6) Hopeful Future (I reminded them that God is committed to finishing what he has started here if they will remain committed to loving lost people, each other & Him, above all others)

I kept my composure well until the final prayer in the service. As I headed to the doors at the back of the sanctuary, Kelly joined me and we wept as we took our usual spot for one last time. I lost it when Andy, our college aged son, slipped back to us first and gave both of us a long firm embrace. Not being much of an emotionally expressive child, his action really moved us.

We were thankful for all the kind words of support people shared as they left the morning service. As Kelly & I drove home, we reaffirmed what we already knew, that God graciously allowed us to be a part of something incredible at Dover Hill! This church graciously received us several years ago- they graciously sent us on this week. With that spirit, the best is yet to come for this church. May it be so!

..... Only Got 100 Years To Live

2007-12-07T03:04:00.000-08:00

Hazel Cobb will turn 100 years old on Tuesday. We were starting to wonder if this milestone would be reached. Last week, her family phoned me to say she was taken to the hospital. When I entered the emergency room on Saturday, she wasn't doing very well; and was even worse by Monday. I really felt, as we surrounded her bedside for prayer, it would likely be the last time. Sometimes a pastor senses when family members are coming to terms with the inevitable.

But leave it to her fighting spirit and God's purposes, when I walked back into her room on Wednesday, Hazel was back as the person I've known all along. There is an angelic look in her eyes that reveals the quality of her soul. As she spoke with me, I could tell she was back to herself because she picked up on themes so familiar. Of the prayers for her unsaved family members, of how she misses not being able to go to church and of singing her favorite hymns. She ask about my wife, Kelly's, surgery and if it was true that I was leaving the church. As we spoke of lighter things I heard that familiar chuckle I have grown to love. I know it's selfish but I have always felt like these visits have been more beneficial to me than to her. That's just the way it happens in the presence of such saints.

I was starting to think that my final funeral at Dover Hill might very well be Hazel's but now I doubt it. In fact Hazel has outlived my 13-year ministry span in Indiana. (A mere 87 year old when I started!) On Sunday the family is planning a party for Hazel right after the morning service. I hope to have an opportunity to say a few words in tribute of this great lady of God. She will, indeed, be the first person in my pastorates to reach the century mark. She has attain this milestone with much grace and has served as an inspiration to many of us.

There is much good fruit that is obvious from her years on this planet. But one day, eternity will show even more than meets the eye. If only I can only finish as well as Hazel Cobb, then I'll feel like my life made its mark for the sake of Jesus Christ.

In Five Short Days

2007-11-30T07:03:00.000-08:00

Talk about life accelerating as we get older !!! A lot of life-markers have been crossed in our home just since Sunday.

Our oldest son, Jason, has accepted his first full-time ministry assignment at Circleville First as a pastor on staff.
Brad, our 3rd son, turned the much anticipated 18 yesterday.
Caleb, our "baby," passed his driver's test this morning and was issued the last driver's license in our household.

This is a far cry from how life was when footie pajamas, diapers, Tonka trucks (minus lead paint) were the order of the day. Back then the clock turned oh, so slowly.

We were warned this would happen. To those who have been there, you know the feeling. To those who are in the early stages with kids, it won't last forever so enjoy what you have today.

Pastoring In Between Churches

2007-11-26T01:51:00.000-08:00

In a little over 2 weeks I will assume duties at Real Life Community Church in Mansfield Ohio. Right now I am winding down 13 years of ministry at the Dover Hill Christian Union Church. When I broke the news to my present congregation certain dynamics went into effect. During this time of transition, I have made some decisions as I complete my responsibilities in this community.

1. I will finish strong. Just as I like to run hard with the finish line in sight, I will strive to give my best to God and to this congregation who has given so much to me and my family. I desire to put my heart into every sermon, Bible study, administrative detail and person who still needs ministry from their pastor.

2. I will aid in making the church in facilitating this transition as best as I can.
That means providing the board with any helpful information they need as they seek their next leader, encouraging them in the process, while staying out of their way when they need me to as well. I will continually try to find ways to affirm that they are a healthier and stronger church than they imagine and that God will direct them in the details of an unknown future.

3. I will strive to be accessible to those who want to talk about their feelings over upcoming changes & I will give space to those who need time to process everything. After 3 previous transitions I know not to predict or expect people to react in certain ways. John's words about the last supper hover over me these days as he noted that Jesus loved his disciples "to the end." (13:1)

4. I will reflect and offer thanks to God. In 13 years God has taught me some great things. Some of these discoveries have been quiet pleasant, while others have been very humbling. He has allowed my life to intersect with so many lives not only in the church but in the community at large. I will be grateful for newborns and spiritual babies that have grown up during my time here, as well as the faithful core who remained from the inception of the church. I will flip through photo albums that mark the years my family has experienced life in Dover Hill.

I look forward to the next chapter in God's call on my life but until then, I want to make the most of this one knowing that as the finish line awaited, I gave my best to a great God and a great church.

Thanks For Others

2007-11-23T04:56:00.000-08:00

By word and example Jesus made it clear that putting others first was a distinct mark of His followers. I've thought it was primarily designed to test our resolve at practicing humility. This morning I am seeing that other-mindedness is intended to produce another quality in my life - understanding.
On Wednesday Kelly underwent surgery and it knocked her out of her routine of preparing the annual Thanksgiving feast. With calm assurance I let her know that I'd take care of the meal. I was about to learn a little more about her world on Thanksgiving Day. In 25 years, I had never roasted the turkey and all that accompanies the dinner. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to spend about 8 hours in the kitchen, and that was after some sympathetic church friends dropped off some pies and side dishes too. I think they wanted to, at least, offset some of the potential damage I might cook up!
As it turned out, all went surprisingly well. We gathered around the table with our 4 sons, daughter-in-law and two other friends of the family and joined hands like the Walton family did. Jason said a great prayer and we enjoyed a meal that wasn't too bad.
But here's what I learned about Kelly through this experience. Getting dinner ready is a difficult job that she does gladly. It takes a good chunk of the day to get it on the table and is consumed in the blink of an eye but she does it with out complaining. It is her way to make our home a better place. It's hard to imagine doing this all the time. This experience allowed me to understand her load a little better and to appreciate the hard work she does to bless our home.
What I am learning under our roof may be applied under the steeple, as well. From time to time, as a pastor I need to experience the load of others who our helping to build the kingdom, whether it's caring for babies in the nursery or teaching a class of rowdy 5th grade boys or cleaning a restroom. It's more than a lesson in humility, it's a realization of the valuable contributions made by others to make our home, church and world a little better each day.

Heading to another church

2007-11-19T05:07:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I made the announcement at the Dover Hill Christian Union Church that I will be giving my final message as their pastor on Sunday December 9th. The following Sunday I will be speaking for the first time as senior pastor of Real Life Community Church in Mansfield Ohio.

After 13 years in one church it was pretty tough to break the news yesterday morning. That afternoon I felt pretty spent and had a nasty headache. Knowing I would get up last night and speak again, I was not certain about what kind of worship atmosphere awaited. Well, God's presence reigned from start to finish bringing us His peace and comfort. There was great freedom during the service and people lingered around the altar when we closed.

For Kelly and I, this is the fourth time in 23 years we have gone through this process. Our sons recognize this move as a part of God's plan, although it hurts. Yet, even as we have tried to seek God's lead, we have noticed spiritual growth in our sons, as well as our lives. We believe this change will produce many opportunities for growth not only in our home, but also the Dover Hill and Real Life congregations, as well as the next leader and his family, who may not even understand, at this moment, why God has graced them this Monday morning with a sense of holy restlessness.

Please pray for us while I go into commuting-mode over the next 6 or 7 months.

I Surrender!

2007-11-16T15:18:00.000-08:00

I am doing a message series based on David Jeremiah's book, Signs of Life. This Sunday I am looking at two of those signs. In the evening it's "Dusty Shoes: Living a Relevant Life" and in the morning I am addressing "Worn Out Knees: Living the Surrendered Life." Just a few thoughts about surrender have been on my mind today. We are inclined to believe that it's a sign of weakness if we come out with our hands up. Instead we are suppose to hold on and persevere, not give up. If we stick to it, good things will happen. Toughing it out is something I have had to deal with nearly every week as a runner. The thought of running 50 more yards up a steep hill, pushing through an aching calf muscle, going one more mile on a hot humid day or leaning into a 30 mph headwind at 40 degrees, will make a runner question, "Is this really worth it?" Yet the reward comes through holding on and denying the urge to quit. We are also trained to think that if we surrender we lose. It makes me think of the game called Uncle, where you lock hands with some one and twist and turn each others wrists until one is in so much pain that they only end the contest by yelling "Uncle!" and thus lose the sadistic game. Not long ago I was in an evangelism training session for those who work with children. I agreed with the presenter's premise that when we relay the Gospel to children, that we need to teach the salvation story in a way they will understand it. Where I took exception with the teacher, however was when some group member suggested that we tell children they need to surrender their lives to Jesus. He adamantly rejected the use of the word surrender because, as he put it, surrender has a bad connotation to kids in an urban setting . To them, he explained, it brings scenes of police arresting people in their neighborhood. He went on to add that these kids are taught never to surrender. If that's the case, those kids will never come to terms with the need to surrender to God's control because it will suggest defeat and loss. Surrender is the pathway to strength and victory when it involves us yielding to the will of God. In fact an unwillingness to bend the knee to this King, ultimately will only reveal how truly weak we are in ourselves and guarantee our defeat. This act of bended knee before Him is more than a one time decision to surrender, but ends up as a daily need. Sometimes surrender asks so little of us, while at other times it is painfully hard. I have experienced both sides of the surrender-spectrum. We can all talk easily about surrender but can break out in a sweat when Jesus wants us to turn over something we have held on to for so long. So today, I start before my King once again, "on bended knee." Tomorrow, I will get up to tell others about surrender and how I am about to throw my hands up in air to the King of Glory.

* Accomplishments Noted With Asterisks *

2007-11-13T06:06:00.000-08:00

Recently Don Shula, former prolific head coach of the undefeated 1972 Miami Dolphins, was under fire for a controversial comment he made about this year's New England Patriots. They have won 9 games without defeat. Ask about his opinion, should this team remain undefeated the rest of the season, Shula said that if they win out their remaining games, that their undefeated record should be duly noted with an asterisk. He claims because they won an early season contest against the New York Jets, using illegal spy tactics that their accomplishment should be tainted and marked with the dreaded "*" letting all know that their perfect season would be, well, less than perfect. Since Coach Shula was my childhood hero and I "hate" the Patriots, I find myself in the awkward position of disagreeing with the legend, not because what they did was wrong, but because New England was already severely penalized for their infraction.

I do not like the liberal use of the asterisk these days. It has become a symbol to discredit or to diminish the achievements of individuals and teams. I recall that when Hank Aaron eclipsed Babe Ruth's home run record, their were those who wanted to asterisk this momentous attainment. Some reasoned that The Babe did it in fewer games. Others, though they would not concede this, were motivated by racial prejudice. Now there are many standing in line ready to place a big asterisk beside the name of Barry Bonds. He surpassed Aaron's mark this summer under thick clouds of SUSPICION with allegations of steroid use. Asterisks show up everywhere and we become increasingly unimpressed when records go down.

I am not sure how asterisks should be doled out these days. Who determines when a performance is not worthy to stand merely on the merits of a name or team, requiring the a dreaded footnote? I suppose that's what pundits get to do while they sit in the seats of the scornful.

Sometimes I find asterisks placed beside the names of God's servants. Some people who serve Christ and bear fruit, bear the burden of "The Mark". Regardless of what they do, their past brokenness and shame follow them in all their doings for Jesus. The asterisk may be dangled in front of them by the Accuser of the Brethren or by the careless whispers of those who believe their assignment on earth is discredit anyone who tasted failure.

I think about Simon Peter. You could place *** next to his name anywhere he shows up in the Bible after his 3-fold denial of Christ. Yet I am amazed that in none of my translations or paraphrases do I find such a notation. Somehow the man shook off the asterisk in his life to carry out his job as the church's first evangelist, leading 3000 to the Savior in one day. That's not bad for a guy who, at one time, felt so low that he was ready to quit altogether.

Browse through the ancestry of Christ and you'll find some people with some significant shortcomings along the way. Some disgrace is so obvious (the big sins) while some of it is so subtle (the attitudinal sins). In truth, Paul called us "clay pots," which means we have had some cracks and chips along the way. Whether we like it or not, all of us deserve some asterisks. And we would, apart from the amazing grace and mercy of God. It remains a mystery to me why the King of Kings would chose to deposit His treasure in us. It should be enough to keep us humble and utterly dependent on Him to do anything noteworthy for Christ's sake!