This morning, we have the privilege of participating in the baptisms of Jack Carmon-Castillo and Lynn Deitz. One of them is a toddler... the other is grown-up, but in both cases, baptism is a sacred, kairos moment... with life-changing power. In Jack's case, we are celebrating the fact that he is now "in Christ" and "Spirit-filled." He was a child of God in the first place... but today, God has surely laid His hand on him and blessed him with the Holy Ghost. Lynn comes to the water as a adult, and while we still believe that she comes in response to God's call, she nonetheless, on this day, is making an intentional decision to die to her old nature and to live for Christ from this moment on. As she is baptized, Lynn will be entirely new in Christ. She will be born-again, and she will have the God-given opportunity to live as a new creation. Being called into a new community always changes everything. The people who have been joined will never be the same, and the one(s) who is joining will never be the same... because we are interrelated- brothers and sisters- in Christ.
Friends, today we celebrate two baptisms...and the joy of welcoming Bianca, Karen, Charlene... and Lynn (again) into membership. Their joining us... will change the both of us, and even as they are picking up the responsibilities of membership, we also know that our Lord has commanded us to love them... as He has loved us. In just a few minutes, two new saints have been ushered into the kingdom, and four Christians have committed themselves to SPPC. They've confessed their faith in Christ, and they've pledged to share their time, talent, and treasure with us, even as we share ours with them. As a people, we've vowed to love, teach, welcome, and know them, and to open up doors of service and ministry unto them. The words that we've said today are meant to be taken seriously... because we need one another! In a world filled with critics, we need cheerleaders, and in a world where people are inclined to tell us what we want to hear... we need people who will tell us the truth in love.
We need to embrace our new members and to let them embrace us... because we have work to do for Christ. As Peter noted (1 Ptr. 2:1-10) we are being built into a holy priesthood, where the word "holy" means to be "set apart" and the word "priest" suggests that we ought to mediate God's grace to one another. In other words, we are called to let our light shine in at least two ways- by the way we live and by the love we show to one another. Concerning the way we live, it is important to remember that you may be the ONLY Christian another person knows. To someone, YOU ARE THE CHURCH
and they will form opinions about us (and perhaps even our Lord) based on your words and actions! Concerning the love we show in His name, it must take many forms. As "priests," we mediate Christ's love when we... pray for one another, listen to one another, involve one another, affirm one another, empower one another, teach one another, visit one another, cry with one another, laugh with one another, trust one another, and share with one another...to name a few. Priestly acts like these built up the body of Christ... and they attract people who don't yet know God's love. Friends, there are all sorts of clubs where people can meet friends and find a committee to join. There are alot of places where people can hear songs... but no one can preach, teach, and live out the good news with greater power than a Spirit-filled church (no matter it's size). People need to love and be loved. They need to be known and accepted. They need to experience Christ's forgiving love for themselves... and for many people, SPPC will be their ONLY HOPE!
So... let's be holy. Let's march to a different drummer and lift up different values than those around us... and let's also be priests! Let's mediate God's love in every way we can... using the talent and treasure he has given to each one of us. We have only one job really- to proclaim Christ crucified and risen... and to live as a forgiven and saved people! This is our job. It has always been our job, but today, we will do it in ways that we could not have done it yesterday... because Bianca, Karen, Lynn, Charlene, and Jack have been added to our family. Praise God!
PK IN SWEDEN
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
ARE YOU... A FOOL FOR CHRIST... OR JUST A FOOL?
In the fall of 1976, Lu Ratmeyer led me in the "sinner's prayer," and in the spring of 1977, I joined a church for the first time in my life. Actually, I threw myself into as if my life depended on it. There were Sunday morning services, Sunday evening services, midweek services, adult education classes, youth events, and of course, Evangelism Explosion. Initially, everyone I knew was happy for me. They knew what I had been through, and they felt that any new version of "me" had to be better that the one they had known. However, when they saw how enthused I was about the gospel, they became concerned. Everything is better in moderation, they suggested, and they certainly didn't want me to become a "fanatic," or "a fool for Christ." It is good, they thought, to make faith part of your life, but it is foolish... to let faith direct your life. Well, as you can tell, I didn't listen to them. I couldn't listen... because I knew that my very life was at stake. If I had any hope of living a full and joyful life, or of being any good to anyone, I had to be "a fool" for Christ, which meant that I had to surrender completely to his Lordship and serve him with every fiber of my being.
So, not thinking that I had a choice, I became a "fool for Christ," but in becoming a fool- in trusting Him instead of myself- I was liberated from the second-guessing and people-pleasing that had dominated my life. I was free to take risks and to be vulnerable, and besides, I found myself in very good company! Paul noted that he was a "fool for Christ" because he preached nothing more than Christ crucified and risen. Yet, even Paul was just one more in a long list of fools... Noah was the first "fool for God." He took God at His word and built a boat on dry land. It wasn't a small boat either. It was a big boat and he led all sorts of animals into it. He was like the man we see on a street corner- the one with a sandwich board saying "the end of the world is at hand"- and he must have been mocked and ridiculed every single day... until the first raindrop fell. Abraham was the next fool in line. He was born in modern-day Iraq, and his family had worshiped the gods in that place for who knows how long. Abram, as he was known then, was neither a Christian nor a Jew, but in response to a new voice, he pulled up his stakes and wandered as an alien land for the rest of his life. He trusted in God, it seems, to the point of appearing foolish. He was willing to take his son, Isaac, up Mount Moriah, believing somehow that God would provide the sacrifice. Leaving the known for the unknown, tying your son up on a sacrificial altar- these acts are not reasonable. They are not measured, and there is no doubt that Father Abraham was a fool for God.
The prophet, Isaiah, walked naked and barefoot for more than 3 years to make a point for God. Hosea married a prostitute, and gave his children odd names, for the same reason. God told him to do these things because Israel was unfaithful. John the Baptist lived in the wilderness. he ate locusts for dinner, and he looked like a wild man. He was another fool for God, as was Peter and the others, who immediately left their jobs and followed Christ. They, and the generations who preceded them, made their living as fishermen on the Sea of Galilee... until Jesus said, "Follow me," and then, they threw down their nets and followed him. Today, we are prone to read this story as if it is reasonable... but how many of us would leave our jobs and businesses to follow Christ... with or without giving notice? Not one, I would guess, because radical, faith-based decisions are NOT reasonable. How could they be? They are based on faith. According to the world, a wise man would never leave the security of home, unless he had a nest egg hidden away and his other bases covered. Finally, let's consider our Lord. From the world's perspective, there was never a bigger fool for God than Jesus of Nazareth. He never once listened to the voices of reason; he never once diluted his message or minimized the cost of discipleship. Bonhoeffer noted that, when Jesus calls a man, he bids him, "Come and die," but what kind of church growth slogan is that? It's foolish, but no more foolish that believing that you can change the world... without money, power, or press coverage. Even Satan pointed out that Jesus could accomplish his mission by making a name for himself and by taking matters into his own hands. When we were uniting two churches in Peoria, one of our elders gave an impassioned plea against the union, telling everyone in attendance that "Pastor Kenn and the leadership board were going too much on faith!" Yes, that's what he said... and his message makes sense to many people who have come to believe that the church is mostly a "business." Start with a prayer- certainly; sing a sweet song if you must; be a little bit bold and chalk it up to faith... BUT make your decisions on the basis of facts and reason. Living on faith never makes sense, and it never will. Thus, if you pick up your cross and live by faith, you will be a "fool" for Christ. If you share what you have with the poor, if you love your enemies, if you forgive 70 times 7, and in other ways, act like someone who has been born again, you will be labeled as a "fool for Christ," but in the process, you will claim the fullness of life. Your cup will overflow and you will dwell in the house of the Lord forever!
Jesus talked about money a lot- a fact that many of us forget... because he often talked about it 1) in the sense of NOT falling in love with it and 2) in the sense of using our wealth to clothe the naked and feed the hungry. Money, as an object of our love, or as our own exclusive source of pleasure and comfort, was never condoned by our Lord (period). There was a very rich man (Luke 16:19-31) who dressed in purple and dined in luxury every day of his life. We don't know how we got his wealth, but we do know that there was a desperately poor beggar lying beside his gate. The beggar, whose name was Lazarus, was covered with sores. He was ill, and he was starving. Indeed, he was "longing" to eat the crumbs that fell from the rich man's table. In the hierarchy of living things, Lazarus had even slipped below the dogs, who came and licked his sores whenever it pleased them. There is no evidence that the rich man (aka "Dives") gained his wealth dishonestly or used it in unsavory ways. Nor is there any evidence that Lazarus brought his troubles on himself. All we know is that there was a very rich man who drove by a very poor man day after day... without sharing what he had, or even looking him in the eyes. In a story that stands in contrast to the "good Samaritan," the man who is lying beside the road is allowed to lay there... and die! Of course we all die, and Dives does too, but the story goes on: in the afterlife, Lazarus is in heaven and Dives is in Hades. "Father Abraham," the Dives cries out, "Please warn my brothers. Tell them not to live as I lived... so that they won't have to endure this hell." "If they haven't listened to God's word," Abraham concluded, "They will not listen to me." Let those who have ears hear: if you are blessed with great wealth, share it with those who are lying by your gate!
There are two comments that I will never forget from my time in Peoria. One (about me relying too much on faith) has already been mentioned. The other came from a friend of mine who had been blessed with a very good year. He said, "Pastor, I'm going to buy another silo for one of my farms. I need the tax deduction so that the government won't get all of my money." Wow, I thought, how about the church? Or just the poor? For the record, this man is a devout man, and in many ways a generous man. My point is simply this: it's very easy for a rich man to slip into thinking that what he has is his. To illustrate the dangers of living for wealth, (Luke 12:13ff) Jesus told a young man this story: there was a certain rich man who was blessed with a bunker crop. In fact, his yield was so great that he was not able to store all of it. So, he thought to himself, "What shall I do?" Then it came to him- I will tear down all of my barns and build bigger ones. Bigger ones that will allow me to store up my excess and take life easy. "I will eat, drink and be merry," he said, but... God interrupted him with challenging words, "You fool! You poor, poor fool. You never got it. You ignored my words. You never considered your neighbor's needs, and now, tonight, as you approach your death bed, you're drawing plans for bigger barns.You poor, poor fool." Whoever told you that it was all about you? What made you think that the future was yours?
Christ crucified, Paul noted, is foolishness to the Greeks, and we still marvel at those who let go of what they have for Christ's sake. We want to admire them, but there's part of us that considers them fools. When Christ hung on his cross, they laughed at him. "Look at the fool hanging there," they might have said. "His back his shredded, his head is bleeding and bruised, we can hardly understand a word that he says... and he thinks that He's some sort of Savior." What a fool! And what fools we are to believe that... by trusting in this man ourselves... our own sins are forgiven! What could be more foolish than to trust in a crucified man for eternal life? Unless of course, it's true. Then it's not foolish at all, is it? CS Lewis noted that, given who Jesus claimed to be, we cannot call him an enlightened man or a good teacher... but must either embrace Him as Lord and Savior, or dismiss him as a fool. There are only so many Biblical passages we can ignore... without admitting that we really aren't taking Christ seriously... and after hearing all of this, some of us will continue to put our trust in bigger barns. Some of us will always be bigger fans of the Bears than we'll ever be of Christ's, and this is foolish indeed. Friends, we can be a fool for the world and trust in gold, or we can be a fool for Christ and trust in His Word. We can be a fool for Jesus, or just a fool-I really don't think there's any in-between. Amen.
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
EDNA BAKER: WE LOVE YOU!
Yesterday, Sherry and I drove to Peoria to see an angel named "Edna." It was the last time we will see her... and we will certainly miss her! Edna is dying now. Her time has come, but it didn't come until she had touched hundreds- perhaps thousands- of lives... through her teaching, her tutoring, and her contagious faith.
When we arrived at their home, Don met us and showed us to their bedroom, where Edna was resting. She was on oxygen, and the cancer had dimmed her vision. She was gaunt and weak, but alert, and she welcomed us warmly. Sherry asked her if she would like a back rub, and Edna said that she would love it. So, with a little effort, she rolled over on her side and Sherry rubbed her back for several minutes while we talked. We shared a little small talk, but only a little, because the moment begged for talk of love and grace. It wasn't a time to talk about the weather, or even the good times that we had enjoyed together. I mentioned the trip that Edna and Don had taken to Germany, and Don mentioned the time the four of us attended a Righteous Brother's concert, but the moment was too sacred for such things.
Sherry told Edna how much she loved her and noted that when she gets to heaven herself, she hopes that Edna will be one of the first to meet her. Edna said that she would be there to greet Sherry when her time came. Sherry told Edna how much she meant to us, and I asked Edna if she was afraid to die. Without hesitating, she said "no." She said that, while she didn't like the dying process, she would willingly endure it because "the reward will be so great." "Jesus is reaching out to me," she said, "and I can't wait to meet him face to face."
"Oh Edna," I replied, "I know it's true. Jesus is reaching out to you. I see him smiling, almost eager now, to embrace you and to show you around his mansion." "Edna," I went on, "You say that you've been blessed... and I agree. You have been blessed in many ways, but what is also true- every bit as true- is this: you have been a blessing! You have blessed me in powerful ways. You have blessed Sherry and Don (of course), but that's just the tip of the iceberg. You've blessed countless numbers of young people through your teaching and your tutoring, and you've blessed at least two grateful congregations here in Peoria. You have spent your life investing in God's people, Edna, and you have served our Lord in all that you've done. Yes, you have witnessed to His love and His grace. You have been a practicing Christian, and that's a much rarer thing that you might imagine. Over the years, I've tried to get you to "see the light," but you have steadfastly clung to your Missouri Synod roots. You are a proud German Lutheran, Edna, and you've never once lost sight of who or whose you are! You have a strong, unquestioning, and contagious faith in Christ, and you've given a thousand great sermons... in the way you live and love. You've been a real partner to Don, Edna. You were created for this partnership. You are exactly what Don Baker needed to be complete. Don needed just the right person to march with him, and you walked with him- every step of the way, and always with grace. Edna,you've left a huge imprint on the stage we've been blessed to share with you, and whenever you showed up, things were a little brighter. You have an engaging smile; you have a great mind; you have a heart for our Lord... and for those of us who need a helping hand; you have vibrant and courageous spirit; and you have a genuine love for humanity. You have 'star power,' and you, Edna Baker, are a spiritual hero of mine. Sherry and I both love you, Edna, you and Don both, and we want you to know that... here on this sacred day. Thanks for allowing us to be with you."
We held hands- the four of us- and we shared a heartfelt prayer, thanking God for blessing us with a servant like Edna Baker, and asking him to watch over his servant, Don Baker in the days, months, and years ahead. I'm glad that we had a chance to pray together. I'm glad that we had the chance to hug her and to also hug Don. Our Lord knows that these are two people who have made it their business to make the world a better place. Finally, as Edna tired, her attendant was called back into the room. Sherry and Don left, but I lingered ... and I bent down and kiss her hand. "Edna," I concluded, "Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Our world is a better place for you being here, and you will live on. You will live in His mansion, that's for sure, and you will live in our hearts as well. As long as faith matters and good people are remembered, you will live on. Goodbye. We will see one another again." Then, to my surprise, Edna rolled over to face me and she lifted her self up. She looked directly at me. "Thank you so very much for taking so much time- you and Sherry- just for me."
I could see her eyes wide open. I could see the depth of her expression, and I could've touched her face. Between you and me, I've seen Edna when she was prettier... but never when she was more beautiful! Edna died as she had lived- with Christ Jesus on her mind! I'm really impressed with her steadfast faith, but I shouldn't be surprised. After all, she is an angel.
When we arrived at their home, Don met us and showed us to their bedroom, where Edna was resting. She was on oxygen, and the cancer had dimmed her vision. She was gaunt and weak, but alert, and she welcomed us warmly. Sherry asked her if she would like a back rub, and Edna said that she would love it. So, with a little effort, she rolled over on her side and Sherry rubbed her back for several minutes while we talked. We shared a little small talk, but only a little, because the moment begged for talk of love and grace. It wasn't a time to talk about the weather, or even the good times that we had enjoyed together. I mentioned the trip that Edna and Don had taken to Germany, and Don mentioned the time the four of us attended a Righteous Brother's concert, but the moment was too sacred for such things.
Sherry told Edna how much she loved her and noted that when she gets to heaven herself, she hopes that Edna will be one of the first to meet her. Edna said that she would be there to greet Sherry when her time came. Sherry told Edna how much she meant to us, and I asked Edna if she was afraid to die. Without hesitating, she said "no." She said that, while she didn't like the dying process, she would willingly endure it because "the reward will be so great." "Jesus is reaching out to me," she said, "and I can't wait to meet him face to face."
"Oh Edna," I replied, "I know it's true. Jesus is reaching out to you. I see him smiling, almost eager now, to embrace you and to show you around his mansion." "Edna," I went on, "You say that you've been blessed... and I agree. You have been blessed in many ways, but what is also true- every bit as true- is this: you have been a blessing! You have blessed me in powerful ways. You have blessed Sherry and Don (of course), but that's just the tip of the iceberg. You've blessed countless numbers of young people through your teaching and your tutoring, and you've blessed at least two grateful congregations here in Peoria. You have spent your life investing in God's people, Edna, and you have served our Lord in all that you've done. Yes, you have witnessed to His love and His grace. You have been a practicing Christian, and that's a much rarer thing that you might imagine. Over the years, I've tried to get you to "see the light," but you have steadfastly clung to your Missouri Synod roots. You are a proud German Lutheran, Edna, and you've never once lost sight of who or whose you are! You have a strong, unquestioning, and contagious faith in Christ, and you've given a thousand great sermons... in the way you live and love. You've been a real partner to Don, Edna. You were created for this partnership. You are exactly what Don Baker needed to be complete. Don needed just the right person to march with him, and you walked with him- every step of the way, and always with grace. Edna,you've left a huge imprint on the stage we've been blessed to share with you, and whenever you showed up, things were a little brighter. You have an engaging smile; you have a great mind; you have a heart for our Lord... and for those of us who need a helping hand; you have vibrant and courageous spirit; and you have a genuine love for humanity. You have 'star power,' and you, Edna Baker, are a spiritual hero of mine. Sherry and I both love you, Edna, you and Don both, and we want you to know that... here on this sacred day. Thanks for allowing us to be with you."
We held hands- the four of us- and we shared a heartfelt prayer, thanking God for blessing us with a servant like Edna Baker, and asking him to watch over his servant, Don Baker in the days, months, and years ahead. I'm glad that we had a chance to pray together. I'm glad that we had the chance to hug her and to also hug Don. Our Lord knows that these are two people who have made it their business to make the world a better place. Finally, as Edna tired, her attendant was called back into the room. Sherry and Don left, but I lingered ... and I bent down and kiss her hand. "Edna," I concluded, "Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Our world is a better place for you being here, and you will live on. You will live in His mansion, that's for sure, and you will live in our hearts as well. As long as faith matters and good people are remembered, you will live on. Goodbye. We will see one another again." Then, to my surprise, Edna rolled over to face me and she lifted her self up. She looked directly at me. "Thank you so very much for taking so much time- you and Sherry- just for me."
I could see her eyes wide open. I could see the depth of her expression, and I could've touched her face. Between you and me, I've seen Edna when she was prettier... but never when she was more beautiful! Edna died as she had lived- with Christ Jesus on her mind! I'm really impressed with her steadfast faith, but I shouldn't be surprised. After all, she is an angel.
Thursday, September 12, 2013
OUR LITTLE CHURCH FAMILY
Jimmy rolls along... embracing his faith and traditional values,
In his mind, they fit together perfectly,
and he watches only Fox for legitimate news.
Susie's mind is filled with questions and answers.
She's taken in a library of information,
but tolerance is not her strong suit.
Bob has trouble breathing.
He's a gracious man,
and we're all glad that he has someone to love him.
Marjorie's gone now, like so many others,
but she had enough time on this earth
to read the entire Bible... 33 times!
Ralph is battling Alzheimer's-
so is Joe, and Mary, and several others.
Sometimes, I think it's inevitable.
Vern's hanging on, clinging to his home,
fighting for his independence, and
always missing his wife.
Katie's found a new love.
I hope he treats her like a princess.
We don't know of anyone more deserving.
George & Lettie, Doug & Debra- they're grieving their daughters.
They always will, and we need to do
a better job of remembering their sacred days.
Where have all the children gone?
They were all just kids when I arrived.
May God be with them in their vulnerable teenage years.
Stacey has significant struggles physically,
but her spirit is strong, and she's a wonderful joy-giver.
Besides, it's fun to talk with her about shows like "The Voice."
No one seems to know why Frieda has so little energy.
She's not herself and the doctors don't know why
but they hardly ever know around here.
Jack and Joyce are gathering grandkids,
and they are chewing up miles on their Golden Wings.
But fall's coming, and we'll see more of them in church.
Jeff continues to fight cancer,
and now, I've learned that Morgan's dad is too.
When I was attending school in the 60s,
I thought someone told me that they were finding a cure.
Last year, Harper spent her birthday in Iowa City.
This year, she's at home- active and beautiful
(although she was beautiful anyway).
Our new choir director had an excellent debut last Sunday.
Our choir did too,
and we are delighted to have a new Treasurer
and a new receptionist... join our team!
We will be baptizing little Jack and an adult in 3 weeks.
Jack is between 2 and 3- the adult is older-
but I love baptisms- adult, babies, and everyone in between.
Truth is- in our church family...
some of our family members are thriving, some are dying;
some are pleased, some are frustrated;
some are building homes, some are leaving homes;
some are active, some we seldom see;
some are discovering new and empowering faith,
some are struggling to keep the modest faith they have.
It's our little church family... experiencing life together.
Sometimes we roll our eyes, but mostly, we live by grace.
We have our individual quirks and our unique stories.
Some of our family members are hard to understand;
some are easy to like...
but we really do love one another.
We dream together, we talk together, we walk together.
We cry together, and we laugh together...
never doubting that Christ is always with us!
Can I hear an "amen"?
In his mind, they fit together perfectly,
and he watches only Fox for legitimate news.
Susie's mind is filled with questions and answers.
She's taken in a library of information,
but tolerance is not her strong suit.
Bob has trouble breathing.
He's a gracious man,
and we're all glad that he has someone to love him.
Marjorie's gone now, like so many others,
but she had enough time on this earth
to read the entire Bible... 33 times!
Ralph is battling Alzheimer's-
so is Joe, and Mary, and several others.
Sometimes, I think it's inevitable.
Vern's hanging on, clinging to his home,
fighting for his independence, and
always missing his wife.
Katie's found a new love.
I hope he treats her like a princess.
We don't know of anyone more deserving.
George & Lettie, Doug & Debra- they're grieving their daughters.
They always will, and we need to do
a better job of remembering their sacred days.
Where have all the children gone?
They were all just kids when I arrived.
May God be with them in their vulnerable teenage years.
Stacey has significant struggles physically,
but her spirit is strong, and she's a wonderful joy-giver.
Besides, it's fun to talk with her about shows like "The Voice."
No one seems to know why Frieda has so little energy.
She's not herself and the doctors don't know why
but they hardly ever know around here.
Jack and Joyce are gathering grandkids,
and they are chewing up miles on their Golden Wings.
But fall's coming, and we'll see more of them in church.
Jeff continues to fight cancer,
and now, I've learned that Morgan's dad is too.
When I was attending school in the 60s,
I thought someone told me that they were finding a cure.
Last year, Harper spent her birthday in Iowa City.
This year, she's at home- active and beautiful
(although she was beautiful anyway).
Our new choir director had an excellent debut last Sunday.
Our choir did too,
and we are delighted to have a new Treasurer
and a new receptionist... join our team!
We will be baptizing little Jack and an adult in 3 weeks.
Jack is between 2 and 3- the adult is older-
but I love baptisms- adult, babies, and everyone in between.
Truth is- in our church family...
some of our family members are thriving, some are dying;
some are pleased, some are frustrated;
some are building homes, some are leaving homes;
some are active, some we seldom see;
some are discovering new and empowering faith,
some are struggling to keep the modest faith they have.
It's our little church family... experiencing life together.
Sometimes we roll our eyes, but mostly, we live by grace.
We have our individual quirks and our unique stories.
Some of our family members are hard to understand;
some are easy to like...
but we really do love one another.
We dream together, we talk together, we walk together.
We cry together, and we laugh together...
never doubting that Christ is always with us!
Can I hear an "amen"?
IS GOD CALLING YOU TO DO ANYTHING AT ALL?
In the earliest church, there wasn't a single member who had a financial need for long because, whenever a need arose, the wealthier members sold a piece of their land and gave the proceeds to the church. This ministry of grace (Acts 4) appears to have been commonplace... but the only man mentioned by name was called "Barnabas," which means "son of encouragement." Barnabas was encouraging, for sure, but his encouragement took many forms. For instance, (Acts 9) when the disciples were afraid to meet with Paul, it was Barnabas who interceded for him. Later still, (Acts 11) we learn that Barnabas ministered to the believers in Antioch, encouraging them to stand fast in the Lord, and that he accompanied Paul to Jerusalem when the time came to establish what, if any, Jewish practices would be laid on the backs of Gentile Christians. Well, as history notes, Paul and Barnabas "carried the day," and when they returned to Antioch with the good news, the members of the early church broke into applause and praise! The Judaisers were put in their place. The Gentiles were free to come to Christ by grace.
Now, what would be next for these two apostles? What's next? Isn't that a question we all face? I've finished my education. I have my degree, now what? Should I go back to the world I know... or take a leap of faith into the unknown? Should I accept the first offer I receive... or hold out for the best? I'm in love... but should I get married now, or wait, and if so, for how long? I've been working on the same job for 20 years now, and it's not fulfilling. If I'm going to change careers, I need to make the change soon, but would changing be too costly? Too radical? I'm 67 today, and my best years are behind me. My ministry is over... or is it? Should I retire? Look for something part-time? Or keep on going until someone carries me out? What next? No matter how high we've climbed, and even if we've reached the top, the question still comes...what next? That's the question that came to Paul and Barnabas after their "victory" over the judaisers. You can read about it in the 15 chapter of Acts, but in brief, Paul thought they should revisit every church where they had proclaimed the gospel to "see how they were doing." Barnabas had no problem with the path Paul recommended, but he wanted to take John Mark with them. Paul refused to take "Mark" along because he felt that Mark was a deserter, but Barnabas refused to go at all... without Mark. So, they parted ways- Paul and Barnabas- and each of them went his own direction with a new partner.
How do we know when God is calling us to go in a new direction, or for many of us, to simply begin our Christian walk? When I ask others if God has ever appeared to them, virtually all of them say "no," and when I ask them if God has spoken to them, or "called" them to a given ministry or vocation, the vast majority of them still say "no." They say "no" because they can't hear God's voice against the cacaphony of voices that clamor for the attention. They say "no" because they are spiritually blind and deaf. Even though they have eyes and ears, they neither see nor hear. They say "no" because, while they are looking for cherubim, God appears to them in many other ways. Yes, friends, God comes to us in many ways. He appears in the stranger who just shows up. in the homeless man whom we pass by, in the events that take place in our lives (as He did with Paul and Barnabas), in the issues that weigh on our minds, in the causes that break our hearts, in the abilities that He has given to us, and in our dreams (as He did with many prophets of old). God calls us in the silence of our thoughts, through the shouts of the masses, through our prayers, and most clearly, through Scripture... but He calls each of us to service and ministry.
One last point- God calls us to meet a need. We are saved to serve, and we're equipped to meet the needs of God's people. During the night (Acts 16:9ff), Paul had a vision in which a man called out to him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." Paul hadn't planned to go to Macedonia, but he couldn't deny what he saw and heard. There was a man in need who called out to him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." This is exactly what the apostle did, of course, but my last question for us this morning is this: what need or needs is God calling you to meet? You have gifts and talents. You have eyes and ears, and God is calling each one of you to meet a need, or perhaps, a number of needs. Friends, someone needs you! Perhaps, you've been equipped and called to meet the needs of the poor. Maybe you're being called to meet the needs of the lonely. Maybe you've been equipped to open doors for those who need justice. Perhaps, you can meet the needs of those who need to be heard. Maybe you're the one who will introduce our neighbors to Jesus. Perhaps, you are being called to help our own members grow in Christ! What path does YOUR ministry lie down? It's an important question, and I propose that your search for an answer will be facilitated if you keep these things in mind:
1) Be open to new possibilities! "We've done it that way before," may be the church's motto, but it
is NOT God's;
2) Dive into Scripture! It is His living word- so let it live in you! Equip yourself with the wisdom,
and the power of God's word. It will challenge, direct, and comfort you.
3) Pray! Prayer is God-talk, and if you listen, it will be a two-way conversation. I've never seen a
healthy relationship that didn't include a lot of honest and vulnerable conversation. Prayer is not
a speech, or a way of getting what you want. It is a conversation that will deepen your under-
standing of, and commitment to, God. So, make prayer a habit and get spiritually fit!
4) Consider ministries that are outside your comfort zone. Don't ask God to show you the way, and
then limits the ways that you will consider;
5) Look for others who will walk with you because they share your vision. Find your Lydia, Mark,
Barnabus, or Silas. Sharing a dream with someone is a powerful thing;
6) Don't resist God's hand because you've already made up your mind. Know that God is often in
the business of stirring things up, and that He's quite capable of saying "no, maybe, or not yet;"
7) Be bold! When you see your opportunity to make a difference, seize the moment because people
are counting on you, and because your own sense of fulfillment begs for action.
What next? Now what? Where is God calling you to serve? What needs are you being invited to meet? These questions beg for an answer. We do too... because so many lives depend on you!
Now, what would be next for these two apostles? What's next? Isn't that a question we all face? I've finished my education. I have my degree, now what? Should I go back to the world I know... or take a leap of faith into the unknown? Should I accept the first offer I receive... or hold out for the best? I'm in love... but should I get married now, or wait, and if so, for how long? I've been working on the same job for 20 years now, and it's not fulfilling. If I'm going to change careers, I need to make the change soon, but would changing be too costly? Too radical? I'm 67 today, and my best years are behind me. My ministry is over... or is it? Should I retire? Look for something part-time? Or keep on going until someone carries me out? What next? No matter how high we've climbed, and even if we've reached the top, the question still comes...what next? That's the question that came to Paul and Barnabas after their "victory" over the judaisers. You can read about it in the 15 chapter of Acts, but in brief, Paul thought they should revisit every church where they had proclaimed the gospel to "see how they were doing." Barnabas had no problem with the path Paul recommended, but he wanted to take John Mark with them. Paul refused to take "Mark" along because he felt that Mark was a deserter, but Barnabas refused to go at all... without Mark. So, they parted ways- Paul and Barnabas- and each of them went his own direction with a new partner.
How do we know when God is calling us to go in a new direction, or for many of us, to simply begin our Christian walk? When I ask others if God has ever appeared to them, virtually all of them say "no," and when I ask them if God has spoken to them, or "called" them to a given ministry or vocation, the vast majority of them still say "no." They say "no" because they can't hear God's voice against the cacaphony of voices that clamor for the attention. They say "no" because they are spiritually blind and deaf. Even though they have eyes and ears, they neither see nor hear. They say "no" because, while they are looking for cherubim, God appears to them in many other ways. Yes, friends, God comes to us in many ways. He appears in the stranger who just shows up. in the homeless man whom we pass by, in the events that take place in our lives (as He did with Paul and Barnabas), in the issues that weigh on our minds, in the causes that break our hearts, in the abilities that He has given to us, and in our dreams (as He did with many prophets of old). God calls us in the silence of our thoughts, through the shouts of the masses, through our prayers, and most clearly, through Scripture... but He calls each of us to service and ministry.
One last point- God calls us to meet a need. We are saved to serve, and we're equipped to meet the needs of God's people. During the night (Acts 16:9ff), Paul had a vision in which a man called out to him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." Paul hadn't planned to go to Macedonia, but he couldn't deny what he saw and heard. There was a man in need who called out to him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." This is exactly what the apostle did, of course, but my last question for us this morning is this: what need or needs is God calling you to meet? You have gifts and talents. You have eyes and ears, and God is calling each one of you to meet a need, or perhaps, a number of needs. Friends, someone needs you! Perhaps, you've been equipped and called to meet the needs of the poor. Maybe you're being called to meet the needs of the lonely. Maybe you've been equipped to open doors for those who need justice. Perhaps, you can meet the needs of those who need to be heard. Maybe you're the one who will introduce our neighbors to Jesus. Perhaps, you are being called to help our own members grow in Christ! What path does YOUR ministry lie down? It's an important question, and I propose that your search for an answer will be facilitated if you keep these things in mind:
1) Be open to new possibilities! "We've done it that way before," may be the church's motto, but it
is NOT God's;
2) Dive into Scripture! It is His living word- so let it live in you! Equip yourself with the wisdom,
and the power of God's word. It will challenge, direct, and comfort you.
3) Pray! Prayer is God-talk, and if you listen, it will be a two-way conversation. I've never seen a
healthy relationship that didn't include a lot of honest and vulnerable conversation. Prayer is not
a speech, or a way of getting what you want. It is a conversation that will deepen your under-
standing of, and commitment to, God. So, make prayer a habit and get spiritually fit!
4) Consider ministries that are outside your comfort zone. Don't ask God to show you the way, and
then limits the ways that you will consider;
5) Look for others who will walk with you because they share your vision. Find your Lydia, Mark,
Barnabus, or Silas. Sharing a dream with someone is a powerful thing;
6) Don't resist God's hand because you've already made up your mind. Know that God is often in
the business of stirring things up, and that He's quite capable of saying "no, maybe, or not yet;"
7) Be bold! When you see your opportunity to make a difference, seize the moment because people
are counting on you, and because your own sense of fulfillment begs for action.
What next? Now what? Where is God calling you to serve? What needs are you being invited to meet? These questions beg for an answer. We do too... because so many lives depend on you!
Saturday, September 7, 2013
BEING PRESENT IS EVERYTHING
Tonight, I find myself thinking about Ray Lindig, whom I met nearly 20 years ago. He was a friend of mine in Peoria, and I had the privilege of conducting his funeral service. Over time, and during his last months, I spent a lot of time with Ray. It was an important point in my ministry because Ray let me walk with him, and because Ray forgave me for not attending his 50th wedding anniversary. He and his wife had invited me, but I had just arrived in Peoria and I really didn't know the Lindigs. I had a church to grow. I had important work to do, and besides, the Lindigs wouldn't miss me at their dinner anyway. But I was wrong. Terribly wrong. The Lindigs did miss me. I was their new pastor, and they wanted to show their family that I cared about them. They were church people and they wanted "the church" to be present at their special time.. They wanted their church to be with them... and I let them down. It's as simple as that! I should have been there. I had nothing better to do. Period. I was ordained to be there, and I didn't live up to my vows. In the end, Ray Lindig taught me a lot about 2nd chances, and I was able to thank him publicly during his funeral service. But sometimes, things don't end so happily.
It's been two decades since I first learned that presence is often the biggest part of ministry, but this week... I learned it again. Nothing- not intellect, nor charisma, nor good intentions- is more important than simply being present. While I've been in Rock Island, I've made many good decisions... but not visiting a friend in her Iowa City hospital room was a poor decision. Today, she was buried, and I wasn't there. This weighs heavy on my heart because I should've been there... and would've been there... if I had made one trip to Iowa City. As a pastor, I am accustomed to death, and as a Christian, I know that, in Christ, life goes on. I am not surprised that my friend died this week because she had been living with cancer for some time, but I'm very disappointed that she died without me. I had been her pastor since I've been in this town, and I knew her quite well. I spent a lot of time with her... but I didn't visit her when she needed me. I could have, of course, but it didn't seem necessary. Our parish nurse was in touch with her frequently, and when she returned to church, we talked about her time in the hospital on several occasions. She seemed fine, but she wasn't. So, I called and asked if I could visit her. "No," she said, it wasn't necessary, and besides, she said, she was leaving our church because I had hurt her feelings. I told her I was sorry. I apologized, and she accepted my apology. But she joined the church down the street.
Later, I heard that she was dying, and I called her again... to let her know that we would be a better church if she would come back. I told her that it would make me happier and may help her too, but my call was of no avail. Between that day and this day, I saw her several times at church functions, and at our last funeral luncheon, which was for a friend of hers, I made a point of sitting next to her so that I could talk with her at length. We had a nice chat, but she had moved on to another church (not the one down the street), and in the end, I was not able to be by her side when she died. If I had been with her, I would've told her that God loved her. I would've told her that I loved her too... but I never took the time to visit her when she was a patient in Iowa City.
May God be with those who loved her, and may He help me remember that there is nothing more important than simply being present.
It's been two decades since I first learned that presence is often the biggest part of ministry, but this week... I learned it again. Nothing- not intellect, nor charisma, nor good intentions- is more important than simply being present. While I've been in Rock Island, I've made many good decisions... but not visiting a friend in her Iowa City hospital room was a poor decision. Today, she was buried, and I wasn't there. This weighs heavy on my heart because I should've been there... and would've been there... if I had made one trip to Iowa City. As a pastor, I am accustomed to death, and as a Christian, I know that, in Christ, life goes on. I am not surprised that my friend died this week because she had been living with cancer for some time, but I'm very disappointed that she died without me. I had been her pastor since I've been in this town, and I knew her quite well. I spent a lot of time with her... but I didn't visit her when she needed me. I could have, of course, but it didn't seem necessary. Our parish nurse was in touch with her frequently, and when she returned to church, we talked about her time in the hospital on several occasions. She seemed fine, but she wasn't. So, I called and asked if I could visit her. "No," she said, it wasn't necessary, and besides, she said, she was leaving our church because I had hurt her feelings. I told her I was sorry. I apologized, and she accepted my apology. But she joined the church down the street.
Later, I heard that she was dying, and I called her again... to let her know that we would be a better church if she would come back. I told her that it would make me happier and may help her too, but my call was of no avail. Between that day and this day, I saw her several times at church functions, and at our last funeral luncheon, which was for a friend of hers, I made a point of sitting next to her so that I could talk with her at length. We had a nice chat, but she had moved on to another church (not the one down the street), and in the end, I was not able to be by her side when she died. If I had been with her, I would've told her that God loved her. I would've told her that I loved her too... but I never took the time to visit her when she was a patient in Iowa City.
May God be with those who loved her, and may He help me remember that there is nothing more important than simply being present.
AFFIRMING WORDS CHANGE LIVES
You've noticed, I'm sure, that there are "dippers" and "drop givers" in the world. There are some people- a few- who go out of their way to fill up another person's bucket of self-esteem, and there are many... who run around with a ladle, dipping into other peoples' buckets... just as fast as they can. I don't know why. Maybe "dipping" makes them feel better about themselves. Maybe it's their way of leveling the playing field. Maybe they're just fixated on the negative, but they are determined to add a little rain to someone else's life. Instead of enjoying the power of the song, they harp on a note sung off-key. Instead of enjoying the beauty of the poem, they fixate on a "typo" in the poem. Instead of applauding the beauty of the property, they walk around, as if they are on a supervisory tour, noting that you missed a spot here... and a spot there. Well, I've got news for the dippers. We all hear the notes that are sung off-key; we can see that there are "typos" in the bulletin (especially if I prepare it); and we're all aware that the pastor's robe is showing wear... but we loved the music anyway, and we're proud of those who keep our office running. You see, "drop givers" are not unaware- they have simply learned the art of affirmation, and they know the power of affirming words.
When I was in the business world, I worked with a company who had copyrighted an affirmation program that they called "Drops for Your Bucket," and they were kind enough to give us permission to use it. So, we did. We drew drops on paper, and we made them big and small. We ran copies on all sorts of different colors, and we encouraged our employees to use them, which they did in large numbers. They developed the art of looking for positive qualities, and actually responding in specific ways. Instead of focusing on the negative and, worse yet, gossiping, we made it possible for people to share affirming words with each other. For instance, if I were to hand out drops of affirmation this morning, I would give one to each of you who labor behind the scenes to fold, prepare, and deliver our church newsletter. Month after month, you come through for us, and we know it, I would also give a drop to Pam Hughes, who looks after our little ones in the nursery, week after week, and we don't pay her what we should. I would give drops to all of you who are dependable because dependability is an under-rated quality, and I'd give drops to those of you who are watering our flowers and plants in this very dry summer. We know who you are, and we should've taken the time to thank you. I'd give a drop to those who are going out of their way to help others get to our church events, and I would give a drop to Vic and Diane Hennessey because their ministry of visitation and helping... lifts my spirit. Of course, there are many more drops that could be given, and drops aren't meant for public consumption anyway. They aren't awards, just affirming notes. They build esteem and they tap into the power of affirming words, They certainly were a big hit for us "back in the day," and I can attest to the fact that I saw grown men and women line their offices- both in our stores and in our corporate offices- with drops that they had received.
A writer named Sam Crabtree has written 100 specific ways in which we can affirm one another and I posted a link to his list on Facebook. To cite just a few, Crabtree notes that we can...
1) Commend the usefulness of an idea that solves a problem. Break away from the agenda for a
moment and say, "That was an excellent suggestion. Thanks;"
2) Let someone know that you admire a quality of theirs. "You know, Morgan, I haven't said it
before, but I really love your music. Thanks,"
3) Find someone whom you are thankful for, and tell them that you are. "I just want you to know
that it makes me feel good to see you each Sunday, or to have you on our team;"
4) Tell someone that you are praying for him or her, and that God has placed them in your heart;
5) Ask someone's advice and act on it.
There are 95 more and dozens that you can add yourselves, but you have the idea. Develop the art of affirming the good in others. Be sincere, be specific, be faithful in your ministry of affirmation. Do this religiously, if you will, and you will be in good company because, even as God affirmed his Son, the apostle Paul often tapped into the power of affirmation. Indeed, his short letter to Philemon is a great example of this. In fact, the one chapter book of Philemon... is something of a "drop" for Philemon's bucket, even as it is also a letter of affirmation for Onesimus, whom Paul is sending back to Philemon. Onesimus had been Philemon's slave, and he had ran away for reasons that are not disclosed. In any event, Onesimus found a home with Paul, and his ministry to Paul (in prison) touched Paul's heart greatly. So, Paul wrote Philemon a "drop," letting Philemon know that his own Christ-like love was deep enough to receive Onesimus back... as a full partner in ministry. This Biblical book entitled "Philemon," could be entitled, "Onesimus," or perhaps simply, "The Power of Affirming Words." Listen, as I recap Paul's note in my own words...
Dear Philemon, our friend and fellow worker, I want you to know that your love for Christ is noteworthy. I hear about it all the time, and I thank God for it in my own prayers. Philemon, your love gives me joy, It refreshes my heart, and your love gives me the boldness to send your servant, Onesimus, back to you, knowing that you will welcome him... as if he were me. You know, Philemon, I can't tell you how much Onesimus means to me. He came to me while I was in prison, and he has blessed me with service and ministry, just as you would've if you had been here. If he owes you anything, bill me for it, and embrace him as a brother in Christ. I know that you have more than enough faith to treat Onesimus as a brother, so I will close with these words- get the spare bedroom ready, I'll be coming soon. In Christ, Paul.
Friends, affirming words can open doors and change lives. They can set a man or a woman free, and they honor Christ, in whom there is neither slave nor free. Affirming words are not manipulative words. The last thing we need is more self-serving flattery. One of our central principles is to... "speak the truth in love" ... where each word counts... and I think this is still our wisest course. But... we don't have to stray from the truth to be a minister of affirmation! No, not at all. On the contrary, all we need to do is to open our eyes to the Christ that abides in one another, and love one another as He commanded. Loving one another means a number of things, but surely it includes building one another up with affirming words. If you have the gift of music, join our choir. If you have a heart for children, sign up for tutoring or our Drop-In Center. If you have an eye for beauty, adopt a section of our property. And if you have the gift of affirmation, share it... because there should never be an unsung servant in our midst!
When I was in the business world, I worked with a company who had copyrighted an affirmation program that they called "Drops for Your Bucket," and they were kind enough to give us permission to use it. So, we did. We drew drops on paper, and we made them big and small. We ran copies on all sorts of different colors, and we encouraged our employees to use them, which they did in large numbers. They developed the art of looking for positive qualities, and actually responding in specific ways. Instead of focusing on the negative and, worse yet, gossiping, we made it possible for people to share affirming words with each other. For instance, if I were to hand out drops of affirmation this morning, I would give one to each of you who labor behind the scenes to fold, prepare, and deliver our church newsletter. Month after month, you come through for us, and we know it, I would also give a drop to Pam Hughes, who looks after our little ones in the nursery, week after week, and we don't pay her what we should. I would give drops to all of you who are dependable because dependability is an under-rated quality, and I'd give drops to those of you who are watering our flowers and plants in this very dry summer. We know who you are, and we should've taken the time to thank you. I'd give a drop to those who are going out of their way to help others get to our church events, and I would give a drop to Vic and Diane Hennessey because their ministry of visitation and helping... lifts my spirit. Of course, there are many more drops that could be given, and drops aren't meant for public consumption anyway. They aren't awards, just affirming notes. They build esteem and they tap into the power of affirming words, They certainly were a big hit for us "back in the day," and I can attest to the fact that I saw grown men and women line their offices- both in our stores and in our corporate offices- with drops that they had received.
A writer named Sam Crabtree has written 100 specific ways in which we can affirm one another and I posted a link to his list on Facebook. To cite just a few, Crabtree notes that we can...
1) Commend the usefulness of an idea that solves a problem. Break away from the agenda for a
moment and say, "That was an excellent suggestion. Thanks;"
2) Let someone know that you admire a quality of theirs. "You know, Morgan, I haven't said it
before, but I really love your music. Thanks,"
3) Find someone whom you are thankful for, and tell them that you are. "I just want you to know
that it makes me feel good to see you each Sunday, or to have you on our team;"
4) Tell someone that you are praying for him or her, and that God has placed them in your heart;
5) Ask someone's advice and act on it.
There are 95 more and dozens that you can add yourselves, but you have the idea. Develop the art of affirming the good in others. Be sincere, be specific, be faithful in your ministry of affirmation. Do this religiously, if you will, and you will be in good company because, even as God affirmed his Son, the apostle Paul often tapped into the power of affirmation. Indeed, his short letter to Philemon is a great example of this. In fact, the one chapter book of Philemon... is something of a "drop" for Philemon's bucket, even as it is also a letter of affirmation for Onesimus, whom Paul is sending back to Philemon. Onesimus had been Philemon's slave, and he had ran away for reasons that are not disclosed. In any event, Onesimus found a home with Paul, and his ministry to Paul (in prison) touched Paul's heart greatly. So, Paul wrote Philemon a "drop," letting Philemon know that his own Christ-like love was deep enough to receive Onesimus back... as a full partner in ministry. This Biblical book entitled "Philemon," could be entitled, "Onesimus," or perhaps simply, "The Power of Affirming Words." Listen, as I recap Paul's note in my own words...
Dear Philemon, our friend and fellow worker, I want you to know that your love for Christ is noteworthy. I hear about it all the time, and I thank God for it in my own prayers. Philemon, your love gives me joy, It refreshes my heart, and your love gives me the boldness to send your servant, Onesimus, back to you, knowing that you will welcome him... as if he were me. You know, Philemon, I can't tell you how much Onesimus means to me. He came to me while I was in prison, and he has blessed me with service and ministry, just as you would've if you had been here. If he owes you anything, bill me for it, and embrace him as a brother in Christ. I know that you have more than enough faith to treat Onesimus as a brother, so I will close with these words- get the spare bedroom ready, I'll be coming soon. In Christ, Paul.
Friends, affirming words can open doors and change lives. They can set a man or a woman free, and they honor Christ, in whom there is neither slave nor free. Affirming words are not manipulative words. The last thing we need is more self-serving flattery. One of our central principles is to... "speak the truth in love" ... where each word counts... and I think this is still our wisest course. But... we don't have to stray from the truth to be a minister of affirmation! No, not at all. On the contrary, all we need to do is to open our eyes to the Christ that abides in one another, and love one another as He commanded. Loving one another means a number of things, but surely it includes building one another up with affirming words. If you have the gift of music, join our choir. If you have a heart for children, sign up for tutoring or our Drop-In Center. If you have an eye for beauty, adopt a section of our property. And if you have the gift of affirmation, share it... because there should never be an unsung servant in our midst!
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