Well, I am 70 now... and it seems somehow impossible. It seems as if... it was just yesterday when I started my first job with Hinky Dinky (yes, Hinky Dinky)... but in fact, it was 54 years ago. It seems like yesterday when I interviewed for my first corporate job... and I can still recall the awkward moment that occurred when I told the interviewer that it was my goal to make the world a better place. He had asked me why I wanted to join the personnel staff at Hinky Dinky,,, and I think he expected an answer that was more concrete and more worldly.
Sherry and I tried to build a life in Omaha, but alcohol (which raises its ugly head from time to time in our family) drug me down. So... I entered a treatment center in the fall of 1976 and began a spiritual journey... which was anchored in Jesus Christ, whom I accepted as my Lord and Savior. There have been many ups and downs along the way, and there have been many times when I have disappointed the One who gave me new life... but I was definitely reborn in the fall of '76! Dad died in 1977, before I had the chance to show him the "new me," but to one extent or another, I was able to deepen my relationships with my faithful wife, my two beautiful daughters, and my two wonderful brothers- whom I enjoyed immensely. It seems like yesterday when Randy and I had a marathon tennis match on a July 4th weekend at his home in Indiana... and I can clearly remember the day when I gave Larry "Big Blue," which was one of the first oversized drivers on the market.
After I became a Christian, I heard a call to the ministry, and in the fall of 1989, I entered seminary. It seems like yesterday when Charles Cunningham showed Sherry and me around Hyde Park... but in truth, it has been 27 years! Leaving the business world for the church... was a terrible financial decision... but it was an awesome blessing for me and my family! It was a new beginning and it gave me a full and purposeful life. As a pastor, I was blessed to preach and teach God's word, and I was honored to stand with others in their most intimate and critical times. Even now, I sometimes shake my head when I consider the unmerited blessings I have known! Ir's been great and this last weekend, I celebrated my 70th Birthday with my daughter and her family in Croton-on-Hudson. We hiked, we attended Archer's Little League games, we played miniature golf, and we took our swings at the batting cage- me, my son-in-law, and my 7 year-old grandson. My friend, Nick, called from Michigan and sang Happy Birthday to me... and family members who could not be with us in person, including my wife (who is struggling with cancer) called in- Kelli, Brooke, Justin, Brittany, Donald, and Steve! I love them all, and I love all of those who sent Birthday wishes! Thanks so very much!
On Sunday, we went to Yankee Stadium! It was my first time, and as we were sitting in our seats- maybe it was the 4th inning- the huge screen in centerfield flashed, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, POPPY. WE LOVE YOU." in giant print... and the announcer proclaimed it- as if it was a big deal. I was delighted and surprised, and I think Kendra, Shawn, and Archer were delighted that they had surprised me! Bur an inning later, they flashed Birthday wishes again- this time without the announcer's voice- and the message said, "Happy Birthday, Kenn Shedenhelm!" Evidently, my granddaughter had lobbied for "Poppy," and my grandson had lobbied for "Kenn Shedenhelm" because "not everyone knows who Poppy is." They were all in on the blessing, and I am extremely grateful. A bit of me wishes that I wasn't 70 quite yet, much of me wishes that my dad and brothers had lived to see 70, and most of me is delighted to be 70. I haven't done all that I dreamed of doing in life, and I certainly didn't become the man I wanted to be... but I've been given people to love and their our many people who love me. I've been blessed with people (like my wife) who helped me when I fell, and I've been blessed with people who cheered when I got back on my feet. On the Eve of my 70th Birthday I injured my eye putting on a batting helmet... so that I could join my 7 year-old grandson in a batting cage... and it doesn't get any better than that.
Oh friends, love those you love with all your heart; let them love you in whatever ways they can... and praise God in all you do and say... for God is good! Amen.
PK IN SWEDEN
Thursday, April 28, 2016
Sunday, April 17, 2016
THE DIFFERENCE FAITH MAKES WHEN WE ARE DYING
Today, as I think about the difficult year that Sherry and I may have before us, I am clinging to my faith because I've seen the difference that faith makes... when people face life's storms and death itself. Over the past 25 years, I've been blessed to share intimate (sacred) moments with men and women who were nearing death... and I've seen their faith conquer their fears. I've seen them- these ordinary people- die with praise on their lips because they believe that they will never die. They were not Bible experts. They did not give all of their possessions to the poor. They did not seek sainthood, but they died with a "smile on their hearts" because they believed... that Christ was quite serious when he said that those who believe in him will never die.
They died as people of faith... and their faith spoke volumes to me. I remember Wilbur Miner, whose last words to me were... "I will see you again." He wasn't speaking in platitudes or attempting to be dramatic. He meant it. He had always believed it, and his one-sentence sermon was very powerful to me- I WILL SEE YOU AGAIN. I also remember Dick Fogler, who came down with a rare and incurable lung disease. It was frustrating to watch Dick go from Dr. to Dr. in an attempt to get a diagnosis and it was distressing to watch him get gradually weaker. But when I voiced by feelings, Dick said, "Oh Ken, there have been many, many men, much better than me, who have walked down this path. Don't worry about me." It was another powerful sermon because Dick was right- serenity comes to us when we accept the things we cannot change. God is sovereign and real faith is not found in making deals with God... but rather in knowing that, in His hands, everything will be alright... even if it frightens us or seems unfair.
When Coy Bullard was dying I visited him in the hospital. He was conversant and pain-free, but he quit eating and drinking water... because he had elected to die. We talked for a long time, and he said that several people had urged him to build up his strength so that he could fight the good fight. They mean well, he noted, and I've enjoyed nearly every moment of my life. But I have a much better life that lies ahead of me. "Pastor," he said, "When I close my eyes, I see Jesus very clearly. He's as plain as day, as if he is just right over there. I see him and he's inviting me to come to him. And I want to go. I want to sit with Jesus and just hang out, and I want to see my dear Mary, who was the greatest love I ever knew. They want me to linger here, as the doctors poke me and connect their tubes... but I want to go home." "Pastor," he concluded, "I am very excited because I am just about to meet my Lord- the one who gave me Mary and so many good things in life." Who could've known... that this gentle and mild-mannered man would've given such a powerful sermon? He believed to his core, and with eyes of faith, he saw heaven itself! Indeed, he saw his Lord motioning to him... and with the simple faith and unabashed joy of a child, he could hardly wait to run to him!
Coy Bullard had no fear of death whatsoever. Neither did Dick or Will... and God willing, Sherry and I will face the coming year... with the faith of a child. Amen!
They died as people of faith... and their faith spoke volumes to me. I remember Wilbur Miner, whose last words to me were... "I will see you again." He wasn't speaking in platitudes or attempting to be dramatic. He meant it. He had always believed it, and his one-sentence sermon was very powerful to me- I WILL SEE YOU AGAIN. I also remember Dick Fogler, who came down with a rare and incurable lung disease. It was frustrating to watch Dick go from Dr. to Dr. in an attempt to get a diagnosis and it was distressing to watch him get gradually weaker. But when I voiced by feelings, Dick said, "Oh Ken, there have been many, many men, much better than me, who have walked down this path. Don't worry about me." It was another powerful sermon because Dick was right- serenity comes to us when we accept the things we cannot change. God is sovereign and real faith is not found in making deals with God... but rather in knowing that, in His hands, everything will be alright... even if it frightens us or seems unfair.
When Coy Bullard was dying I visited him in the hospital. He was conversant and pain-free, but he quit eating and drinking water... because he had elected to die. We talked for a long time, and he said that several people had urged him to build up his strength so that he could fight the good fight. They mean well, he noted, and I've enjoyed nearly every moment of my life. But I have a much better life that lies ahead of me. "Pastor," he said, "When I close my eyes, I see Jesus very clearly. He's as plain as day, as if he is just right over there. I see him and he's inviting me to come to him. And I want to go. I want to sit with Jesus and just hang out, and I want to see my dear Mary, who was the greatest love I ever knew. They want me to linger here, as the doctors poke me and connect their tubes... but I want to go home." "Pastor," he concluded, "I am very excited because I am just about to meet my Lord- the one who gave me Mary and so many good things in life." Who could've known... that this gentle and mild-mannered man would've given such a powerful sermon? He believed to his core, and with eyes of faith, he saw heaven itself! Indeed, he saw his Lord motioning to him... and with the simple faith and unabashed joy of a child, he could hardly wait to run to him!
Coy Bullard had no fear of death whatsoever. Neither did Dick or Will... and God willing, Sherry and I will face the coming year... with the faith of a child. Amen!
Friday, April 15, 2016
7 KINDS OF CHRISTIANS
It seems to me that there are at least 7 different kinds of Christians.
There are what someone called"wannabe" Christians... who wish that they actually were able to follow the Nazarene along the narrow road that leads to Calvary... but like the rich man who encountered Jesus in Scripture, they "stand pat" because they are not willing to pay the price of discipleship. My heart is deeply touched by these Christians because they are so close to God's kingdom. They hear Jesus calling... but they don't have the courage to surrender. Pray that faith will overcome their fear.
Then there are"nominal" Christians who are Christians in name only. Many of them don't even go to church, but since they are not Jewish or Muslim or Hindu, they figure that they are Christian... even though they neither practice or understand what being a Christian means. In my view, it is the nominal Christians who give pollsters the idea that 77% of Americans are Christian. Surely, our nation would be a much stronger foundation if this was really the case. Thirdly, there are "church member Christians" who consider themselves Christians because they belong to a church. They may be quite active in the church's work and fellowship events... but they have never accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior. They may even consider such a thing to be "odd"... because they have substituted joining an organization for following its Master. These Christians do not have a personal relationship with Christ and therefore, they lack the power and energy that would come from such a relationship. Pray that those who have confused church attendance with discipleship will come to know the difference.
Fourthly, there are"hypocritical" Christians who pretend to be what they are not. Before I joined my first church at the age of 31, I was convinced that all church goers were hypocrites because I couldn't see much difference in their lives and my own. My mother always told me that the church is filled with hypocrites... and she was (mostly) right! There are a lot of hypocrites in the church. They pretend to worship God, but in truth, their God is little more than a mirrored image of themselves- with the same political views, the same view of success, and the same favorite ball teams. They tell others what they want to hear. They know what Christians are supposed to say... but they wouldn't even consider something like loving their neighbors as themselves. Pray for the hypocrites in your midst. Invite them to lay their masks down and come to Christ "as they are."
And there are"Pharisaic" Christians who are good in the worst sense of the word (to use Mark Twain's phrase). They don't forgive others and they insist that "grace is only for those who deserve it," even though "earned grace" is clearly an oxymoron. Pharisaic Christians expect a lot of understanding, but they refuse to give others any slack at all... and they are obsessed with the speck in their neighbor's eye while ignoring the log in their own. Many of them know a considerable amount of Scripture, but they are ignorant of its meaning... so pray that the Holy Spirit will open their eyes to God's forgiving and life-giving word! There are also Christians who are "practicing atheists," because they don't give God a second thought as they go through life. They believe in God, but they live as if they don't. They don't start their day with prayer and Bible study; they don't put on the armor of God; they don't seek God's guidance in tough moments; and they don't even consider giving up their idolatrous relationship with money. They live as if God doesn't exist and when these Christians die, their neighbors will be surprised to learn that they were Christian.
Finally, there are "true and authentic Christians" who practice what they preach and who love Christ with every fiber of their being. These are Christians- perhaps you have known a few- who radiate God's joy and peace... and who give themselves entirely and tirelessly in Christ's service. They preach powerfully with their lives... which actually show signs of sacrificial love and committed discipleship. Over the years, they have witnessed to me through their loving works and committed lives. Often, they have been an example to me... and sometimes- I confess it- I have been a little envious. I haven't known many of these disciples, but I have known some... and I know that they come from all denominations and in every imaginable size and shape. Pastor Luther Ratmeyer was one of them... and elder Wilbur Miner was another... but they weren't the only ones.
All I can say to those who have shown me Christ's way...is thanks! Thanks so very much! All I can say to the rest of us is that we all should strive for authentic discipleship. If we've settled for church membership or nominal Christianity, we should reach for the joy that commitment brings... and if we've lived our lives as if God doesn't exist, we need to discover the power that spiritual disciplines offers us. If we're one of those who just isn't quite willing to follow Jesus, we must take a leap of faith and discover the freedom that comes with surrender. Pray that Christians everywhere will live as Christians. If we do, we will change the world! Amen.
There are what someone called"wannabe" Christians... who wish that they actually were able to follow the Nazarene along the narrow road that leads to Calvary... but like the rich man who encountered Jesus in Scripture, they "stand pat" because they are not willing to pay the price of discipleship. My heart is deeply touched by these Christians because they are so close to God's kingdom. They hear Jesus calling... but they don't have the courage to surrender. Pray that faith will overcome their fear.
Then there are"nominal" Christians who are Christians in name only. Many of them don't even go to church, but since they are not Jewish or Muslim or Hindu, they figure that they are Christian... even though they neither practice or understand what being a Christian means. In my view, it is the nominal Christians who give pollsters the idea that 77% of Americans are Christian. Surely, our nation would be a much stronger foundation if this was really the case. Thirdly, there are "church member Christians" who consider themselves Christians because they belong to a church. They may be quite active in the church's work and fellowship events... but they have never accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior. They may even consider such a thing to be "odd"... because they have substituted joining an organization for following its Master. These Christians do not have a personal relationship with Christ and therefore, they lack the power and energy that would come from such a relationship. Pray that those who have confused church attendance with discipleship will come to know the difference.
Fourthly, there are"hypocritical" Christians who pretend to be what they are not. Before I joined my first church at the age of 31, I was convinced that all church goers were hypocrites because I couldn't see much difference in their lives and my own. My mother always told me that the church is filled with hypocrites... and she was (mostly) right! There are a lot of hypocrites in the church. They pretend to worship God, but in truth, their God is little more than a mirrored image of themselves- with the same political views, the same view of success, and the same favorite ball teams. They tell others what they want to hear. They know what Christians are supposed to say... but they wouldn't even consider something like loving their neighbors as themselves. Pray for the hypocrites in your midst. Invite them to lay their masks down and come to Christ "as they are."
And there are"Pharisaic" Christians who are good in the worst sense of the word (to use Mark Twain's phrase). They don't forgive others and they insist that "grace is only for those who deserve it," even though "earned grace" is clearly an oxymoron. Pharisaic Christians expect a lot of understanding, but they refuse to give others any slack at all... and they are obsessed with the speck in their neighbor's eye while ignoring the log in their own. Many of them know a considerable amount of Scripture, but they are ignorant of its meaning... so pray that the Holy Spirit will open their eyes to God's forgiving and life-giving word! There are also Christians who are "practicing atheists," because they don't give God a second thought as they go through life. They believe in God, but they live as if they don't. They don't start their day with prayer and Bible study; they don't put on the armor of God; they don't seek God's guidance in tough moments; and they don't even consider giving up their idolatrous relationship with money. They live as if God doesn't exist and when these Christians die, their neighbors will be surprised to learn that they were Christian.
Finally, there are "true and authentic Christians" who practice what they preach and who love Christ with every fiber of their being. These are Christians- perhaps you have known a few- who radiate God's joy and peace... and who give themselves entirely and tirelessly in Christ's service. They preach powerfully with their lives... which actually show signs of sacrificial love and committed discipleship. Over the years, they have witnessed to me through their loving works and committed lives. Often, they have been an example to me... and sometimes- I confess it- I have been a little envious. I haven't known many of these disciples, but I have known some... and I know that they come from all denominations and in every imaginable size and shape. Pastor Luther Ratmeyer was one of them... and elder Wilbur Miner was another... but they weren't the only ones.
All I can say to those who have shown me Christ's way...is thanks! Thanks so very much! All I can say to the rest of us is that we all should strive for authentic discipleship. If we've settled for church membership or nominal Christianity, we should reach for the joy that commitment brings... and if we've lived our lives as if God doesn't exist, we need to discover the power that spiritual disciplines offers us. If we're one of those who just isn't quite willing to follow Jesus, we must take a leap of faith and discover the freedom that comes with surrender. Pray that Christians everywhere will live as Christians. If we do, we will change the world! Amen.
Monday, April 4, 2016
5 SUGGESTIONS FOR SPIRITUAL HEALTH
Recently, I purchased a cheap version if "FitBit" to track my steps, and I'm changing my eating habits so that I can be physically fit. Like many others, I strive to be financially and emotionally fit, and I try to keep my mind sharp and my relationships "healthy." In short, it is important for me to be
fit... but nothing is more important than a healthy spirit! Nothing is more important than spiritual health because a healthy spirit enables us to feel the joy, peace, and hope that comes from being at one with our God and with our fellows. Spiritual sickness separates us from God, others, and our own best self... even as it leaves us vulnerable to any number of sins and temptations. There is nothing more important than spiritual health, and I confess that spiritual fitness has been a struggle for me.
Before I accepted Christ, it was impossible altogether because I was spiritually bankrupt... and with grateful praise, I can now report that spiritual fitness comes much easier for me. However, I've learned to stay alert... because old habits and the tempting voices of this world are just around the corner. Over the years, it has become easier for me to "let go" and "trust" in God... but I've had my share of "ups and downs." Therefore, I would like to share some of the things that I have learned through personal experience. If spiritual health is important to you, consider these suggestions:
1. WORK AT BEING SPIRITUALLY FIT! Pray frequently... study Scripture continually... and join a community of faith! Pray frequently. Pray before meals, pray upon rising in the morning and upon retiring at night, pray as you drive around town, pray with your family. Pray. It will center you and open your spirit to God's voice. Read God's word! Get some help... join a class... listen to others... and if you've read it a hundred times, read it again... and listen to it speak to you. Join a Bible believing church and get involved in God's work! Visit the sick, clothe the naked, feed the hungry, actually DO what Christ did and you will grow. Spiritual health is NOT automatic, and lack of exercise may kill you;
2. GET REAL! Quit worrying about what others may be thinking. Ask questions. Admit mistakes and don't tell others only what you think they want to hear. Don't be one person in one group and an entirely different person in another group. Give up your tendency to please people... and get rid of all of the masks that you have routinely used to manipulate others and protect yourself. Remember this great truth: you- as you are- with warts and all- are the person Christ died to save... and you are- even now with your secrets and fears- are the person whom Christ is calling! Phoniness will make it impossible to grow spiritually;
3. LIVE IN THE NOW. Get out of your time-trap. The past is dead... and after you have learned a lesson or two from it, it must be buried! Quit wrestling with it. Quit dragging it around. No one can fully live in the present when they are carrying the past of their backs. Likewise, the future is God's time. It is not ours! Nothing- not a single thing- has ever been done in the future. It has always been done in the now. Learn the truth of this. It is Biblical and it is liberating. The present is a "present: from God- a "present: we call life. Live it... and get rid of that "if and when" notion that you will be happy "if and when" something happens someday;
4. DON'T COMPARE YOURSELF TO OTHERS... OR EXPECT THEM TO MAKE YOU "WHOLE" As I've taken my spiritual inventory over the years, it has become clear... that I am much sicker when I am comparing myself to others! Whether it's a matter of not getting as many "breaks" as others seem to get, or not being as serene as someone else seems to be... comparisons always bring me down spiritually. When I compare myself to others, I always lose... because I will either feel superior or inferior to the other person. Both of these feelings separate me from others and fan a sense of pride or resentment... both of which are spiritual cancers! You cannot be happy if you are comparing yourself to others... or relying on them to make you "whole" because only Christ can do that;
5. DO WHATEVER YOU HAVE TO DO TO GET RID OF RESENTMENTS AND "SECRET SINS." Spiritual health requires spiritual exercise and discipline...and righteous living! We cannot deliberately sin and expect to grow spiritually. Unconfessed "secrets" and "unrepented sin" make spiritual health impossible... because righteousness is part of the armor of God. No one is without sin or secrets... but... in Christ... we are new creations! Thus, the sins that used to have their way with us... are dead (with our old nature). This is a great blessing. So... claim it... and bury your sins along with your former self. Let them die... and rid yourself entirely of resentments! Begin each day with a gratitude list and end each day with spiritual inventory... and if you see the slightest sign of resentment... get it out of your life.. because spiritual health is rooted in surrender and forgiveness.
Well, libraries are filled with books on this topic, but I have found that the preceding steps- prayer, study, service, integrity, a fearless, daily spiritual inventory... and a commitment to focus on the "log in my own eye"... have been helpful to me. Amen.
fit... but nothing is more important than a healthy spirit! Nothing is more important than spiritual health because a healthy spirit enables us to feel the joy, peace, and hope that comes from being at one with our God and with our fellows. Spiritual sickness separates us from God, others, and our own best self... even as it leaves us vulnerable to any number of sins and temptations. There is nothing more important than spiritual health, and I confess that spiritual fitness has been a struggle for me.
Before I accepted Christ, it was impossible altogether because I was spiritually bankrupt... and with grateful praise, I can now report that spiritual fitness comes much easier for me. However, I've learned to stay alert... because old habits and the tempting voices of this world are just around the corner. Over the years, it has become easier for me to "let go" and "trust" in God... but I've had my share of "ups and downs." Therefore, I would like to share some of the things that I have learned through personal experience. If spiritual health is important to you, consider these suggestions:
1. WORK AT BEING SPIRITUALLY FIT! Pray frequently... study Scripture continually... and join a community of faith! Pray frequently. Pray before meals, pray upon rising in the morning and upon retiring at night, pray as you drive around town, pray with your family. Pray. It will center you and open your spirit to God's voice. Read God's word! Get some help... join a class... listen to others... and if you've read it a hundred times, read it again... and listen to it speak to you. Join a Bible believing church and get involved in God's work! Visit the sick, clothe the naked, feed the hungry, actually DO what Christ did and you will grow. Spiritual health is NOT automatic, and lack of exercise may kill you;
2. GET REAL! Quit worrying about what others may be thinking. Ask questions. Admit mistakes and don't tell others only what you think they want to hear. Don't be one person in one group and an entirely different person in another group. Give up your tendency to please people... and get rid of all of the masks that you have routinely used to manipulate others and protect yourself. Remember this great truth: you- as you are- with warts and all- are the person Christ died to save... and you are- even now with your secrets and fears- are the person whom Christ is calling! Phoniness will make it impossible to grow spiritually;
3. LIVE IN THE NOW. Get out of your time-trap. The past is dead... and after you have learned a lesson or two from it, it must be buried! Quit wrestling with it. Quit dragging it around. No one can fully live in the present when they are carrying the past of their backs. Likewise, the future is God's time. It is not ours! Nothing- not a single thing- has ever been done in the future. It has always been done in the now. Learn the truth of this. It is Biblical and it is liberating. The present is a "present: from God- a "present: we call life. Live it... and get rid of that "if and when" notion that you will be happy "if and when" something happens someday;
4. DON'T COMPARE YOURSELF TO OTHERS... OR EXPECT THEM TO MAKE YOU "WHOLE" As I've taken my spiritual inventory over the years, it has become clear... that I am much sicker when I am comparing myself to others! Whether it's a matter of not getting as many "breaks" as others seem to get, or not being as serene as someone else seems to be... comparisons always bring me down spiritually. When I compare myself to others, I always lose... because I will either feel superior or inferior to the other person. Both of these feelings separate me from others and fan a sense of pride or resentment... both of which are spiritual cancers! You cannot be happy if you are comparing yourself to others... or relying on them to make you "whole" because only Christ can do that;
5. DO WHATEVER YOU HAVE TO DO TO GET RID OF RESENTMENTS AND "SECRET SINS." Spiritual health requires spiritual exercise and discipline...and righteous living! We cannot deliberately sin and expect to grow spiritually. Unconfessed "secrets" and "unrepented sin" make spiritual health impossible... because righteousness is part of the armor of God. No one is without sin or secrets... but... in Christ... we are new creations! Thus, the sins that used to have their way with us... are dead (with our old nature). This is a great blessing. So... claim it... and bury your sins along with your former self. Let them die... and rid yourself entirely of resentments! Begin each day with a gratitude list and end each day with spiritual inventory... and if you see the slightest sign of resentment... get it out of your life.. because spiritual health is rooted in surrender and forgiveness.
Well, libraries are filled with books on this topic, but I have found that the preceding steps- prayer, study, service, integrity, a fearless, daily spiritual inventory... and a commitment to focus on the "log in my own eye"... have been helpful to me. Amen.
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