Benjamin Keach, born on February 29, 1640, began preaching at eighteen. He was a Baptist minister who was seized in 1662 and put in the open market pillory (public humiliation) after the Act of Uniformity was passed by the British Parliament. In the U.S., we do not any government intrusion into our worship practices. While churches in the U.S. must conform to laws and regulations regarding property, taxes, employment, etc., our government stays out of sprititual and doctrinal issues. In 1662, the British Parliament made the Common Book of Prayers the legal standard for church government, ministerial ordination and most church life. This caused a problem for a lot of ministers who did not believe that the Common Book of Prayers allowed them to preach and lead worship in a manner that God required of them. These ministers had to decide between following a law they couldn't support or preaching and leading in a manner that they believed God wanted them to.
Fortunately for Benjamin Keach and thousands of other ministers, the laws eventually changed and Keach was able to pastor a church in London where he introduced a new and controversial practice-the singing of hymns (as opposed to only the metrical Psalms). Baptists were opposed to hymns at this time, but Keach led his church to sing a hymn at Lord's Supper services and, later, on days of thanksgiving. Finally, about 1690, the church voted (with a few dissenters) to sing hymns every Sunday. It was Benjamin Keach's bravery that paved the way for Isaac Watts, the man who popularized British hymn singing a generation later. It also opened up the way for many hymn writers whose hymns are still sung today. An interesting side note during this same time span; organs used in churches were considered scandalous because they had been used in the circus. How could an instrument used in the circus ever be sanctified enough to be used in a church?
I still remember the early days of using drums in the church, and then guitars and keyboards. How could instruments used in bars and dance halls ever be used in a church? In many churches today the conflict between singing traditional hymns and gospel songs versus contemporary worship music is alive and well. Hymn lovers critized new music for its shallowness and lack of doctrine. New music lovers boycotted hymns and traditional gospel songs because of their outdated language and musical style.
I guess every generation is the same. "Give me what I like and keep me happy." Sometimes in the debate over style and preference, we forget Who is the object of our worship and why we are singing and playing in the first place. This coming Sunday, in our church, we'll sing a blend of older and brand new songs. I will do my best to lead our congregation in singing our worship, all of it, to God. Then, if someone complains that we didn't sing their favorite song in their favorite style, I'll hope they have their favorites on an iPod or they have their favorite CDs in their car so they can listen to them on their way home. :) Thanks, Benjamin Keach.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
Overwhelmed By God's Love
On Sunday morning our Choir and Orchestra are singing and playing a wonderful arrangement of the hymn, O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus. Samuel Trevor Francis wrote the hymn in 1890 after experiencing God's love in a very compelling way. On a cold, winter night, Francis found himself walking across London's Hungerford Bridge. He was at a point in his life where his faith was wavering, and he was mulling over his sadness and loneliness. As he walked, and contemplated his life, he heard a whisper tempting him to end his misery and jump into the churning waters below.
Fortunately, Francis didn't pay attention to the dark voice. Instead, he heard God's reassuring words speaking to him that night. On that bridge, he reaffirmed his faith in Jesus Christ, and put complete trust in him as his Savior.
As you read the words of his hymn, you hear echoes of this transformational experience. I love the thought of the first verse;
O the deep, deep love of Jesus, vast, unmeasured, boundless, free.
Rolling as a mighty ocean in its fullness over me.
Underneath me, all around me is the current of Thy love.
Leading onward, leading homeward, to my glorious rest above.
There are days when I desperately need the love of God to roll as a mighty ocean in its fullness over me. How about you? Are you hearing a dark voice whispering that you are not worthy? Or that God doesn't love you? Have people hurt you or disappointed you? Cry out to Christ, ask Him to allow his love to roll as a mighty ocean over you. He loves you, and He'll honor your heart's desire.
Fortunately, Francis didn't pay attention to the dark voice. Instead, he heard God's reassuring words speaking to him that night. On that bridge, he reaffirmed his faith in Jesus Christ, and put complete trust in him as his Savior.
As you read the words of his hymn, you hear echoes of this transformational experience. I love the thought of the first verse;
O the deep, deep love of Jesus, vast, unmeasured, boundless, free.
Rolling as a mighty ocean in its fullness over me.
Underneath me, all around me is the current of Thy love.
Leading onward, leading homeward, to my glorious rest above.
There are days when I desperately need the love of God to roll as a mighty ocean in its fullness over me. How about you? Are you hearing a dark voice whispering that you are not worthy? Or that God doesn't love you? Have people hurt you or disappointed you? Cry out to Christ, ask Him to allow his love to roll as a mighty ocean over you. He loves you, and He'll honor your heart's desire.
Friday, February 18, 2011
How Will You Be Remembered
I was straightening my office today and paused to look at a photograph I have on my wall next to my bookshelf wall. I had put some things away and looked up to see the photo of the church I was raised in. It was one of those "everyone in the front of the church" pictures, taken outside, probably at the end of the morning service. I was about 5 years old in the picture, so I don't remember the event. My grandfather was right in front. He was the founding pastor of the church and pastored it until he passed away in 1966. He was just 65 years old and died of cancer. In the years just prior to his passing, he had purchased a 10 acre plot of land and had built a barn, utility room and pump house on the land. He bought a house from a military base and had it moved onto the property. For all of my growing up years I was his shadow. I suspect I didn't help much, and probably got in the way some, but I was always with him. Sadly, he never got to retire on that land. Whenever I think about him I have instant recall of his face. It is as vivid today as it was any day I was with him. Sometimes the grief I feel, even now, is so intense that I can hardly stand it. I have broken down more than once, telling about experiences with my grandfather. One of the biggest regrets I have is that he never got to see me become a minister, receive my ordination credentials and hear me preach or lead a choir. I never got to "pick his minister's brain" or ask him professional advice.
Once a wave of grief passed, today, I sat at my desk and did something I had never done before. I Googled my grandfather's name. Nemias Ruybalid. The first two items that came up were blogs that I had written about him. There were several items that had either his first name or his last name, and none were related to him. The last one on the page was a Social Security website that listed dates of birth and dates of death. I clicked on it and scrolled down to his name. Interestingly enough, my grandmother's record was just above his, even though she lived to be 92. All the record showed was my grandfather's birth date and the month and year of his death.
I thought to myself, "maybe I should write a Wiki page for him. There is so much to tell about this wonderful man who left much too early." How will you and I be remembered? Will someone Google your name 45 years after your death? One thing I remember about my grandpa was that I could see Christ in him. That's how I want to be remembered, that someone could say that they saw Christ in me.
Once a wave of grief passed, today, I sat at my desk and did something I had never done before. I Googled my grandfather's name. Nemias Ruybalid. The first two items that came up were blogs that I had written about him. There were several items that had either his first name or his last name, and none were related to him. The last one on the page was a Social Security website that listed dates of birth and dates of death. I clicked on it and scrolled down to his name. Interestingly enough, my grandmother's record was just above his, even though she lived to be 92. All the record showed was my grandfather's birth date and the month and year of his death.
I thought to myself, "maybe I should write a Wiki page for him. There is so much to tell about this wonderful man who left much too early." How will you and I be remembered? Will someone Google your name 45 years after your death? One thing I remember about my grandpa was that I could see Christ in him. That's how I want to be remembered, that someone could say that they saw Christ in me.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross
On February 13 1915, the New York Times carried this headline: "Fanny Crosby, Blind Hymn Writer, Dies." The article said in part: Franny Crosby, the blind hymn writer, died at her home at 4:30 AM. She had been growing feeble for the last six months and of late was very weak. She would have been ninety five years old if she had lived until March 24.
Fanny Crosby wrote more than 8,000 hymns which have been sung in Protestant churches throughout the world. Her lyrics were so numerous that at the peak of her career, hymnal publishers gave her nearly 200 pen names in order for her hymns and name not dominate every hymnal. She had a tremendous gift of recall and composed many lyrics at a time, committing them to memory before they were written down. One of the hymnal publishers, Phillips Brooks, once gave her seventy five topics and asked her to write verses based on them. She composed every one of the hymns before a line of any of them was placed on paper.
The newspaper article went on to list Fanny Crosby's most well known hymns, including, Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross.
Jesus, keep me near the cross, There a precious fountain.
Free to all, a healing stream, Flows from Calvary's mountain.
In the cross, in the cross, Be my glory ever.
Till my raptured soul shall find, Rest beyond the river.
In our present church culture, hymn singing is falling out of fashion. Many churches do not include any hymns in their church worship services anymore. When you read Fanny Crosby lyrics, you realize what a loss her writing is to the present day church. Thank you, Fanny Crosby, for sharing your amazing gift with us.
Fanny Crosby wrote more than 8,000 hymns which have been sung in Protestant churches throughout the world. Her lyrics were so numerous that at the peak of her career, hymnal publishers gave her nearly 200 pen names in order for her hymns and name not dominate every hymnal. She had a tremendous gift of recall and composed many lyrics at a time, committing them to memory before they were written down. One of the hymnal publishers, Phillips Brooks, once gave her seventy five topics and asked her to write verses based on them. She composed every one of the hymns before a line of any of them was placed on paper.
The newspaper article went on to list Fanny Crosby's most well known hymns, including, Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross.
Jesus, keep me near the cross, There a precious fountain.
Free to all, a healing stream, Flows from Calvary's mountain.
In the cross, in the cross, Be my glory ever.
Till my raptured soul shall find, Rest beyond the river.
In our present church culture, hymn singing is falling out of fashion. Many churches do not include any hymns in their church worship services anymore. When you read Fanny Crosby lyrics, you realize what a loss her writing is to the present day church. Thank you, Fanny Crosby, for sharing your amazing gift with us.
Friday, February 11, 2011
The Coming of Christ Foretold
As I began to plan a Choir-Orchestra-Drama production for this past Christmas, I wanted to use the prophecies of Christ's coming as a basis for the drama and music that we performed. After looking at many scripts and musicals, I finally determined that the product I was looking for did not exist. I gave a number of scriptures and resources to one of our choir members and he wrote a marvelous script set in modern times, using many of the scriptures that foretell the coming of Christ. We wove in appropriate music, called it Christmas Foretold, and had a wonderful production. Many people said "it was the best ever", but then again they always say that...it was very good.
One thing that struck me about the abundance of scriptures is that we only scratched the surface of the available Bible references. The other thing that amazed me is that almost from the beginning, the first chapters of Genesis, there were references to the coming Messiah. In some of the most unlikely places and stories, references to Christ and His coming popped up. This morning in my daily reading I found another one. I was reading the account of the people of Israel coming to the edge of the Promised Land. After their multi-year journey in the dessert, they are about to enter the land and begin conquering it. In Numbers, chapters 22-24, we find king Balak terrified at the prospect of the Israelites being on the edge of his kingdom, Moab. He enlists the services of a pagan prophet by the name of Balaam. King Balak figures that if he can't defeat Israel militarily, maybe he can have a well known diviner put a curse on them and they'll go away. As the story develops, God puts the words in Balaam's mouth and he winds up blessing Israel instead of cursing them. In chapter 24, his last oracle says "A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel." This is a clear foretelling of the coming of the Messiah. What an interesting place for this reference to occur. It showed me, once again, that God has a clear plan that spans the ages. He knew what needed to be accomplished and it confirmed to me once again that God's plan extends to me, and you. Today, let us rejoice that God provided a way for us to know Him, and to be known by Him. We know that Star, we know that Scepter, Christ Jesus.
One thing that struck me about the abundance of scriptures is that we only scratched the surface of the available Bible references. The other thing that amazed me is that almost from the beginning, the first chapters of Genesis, there were references to the coming Messiah. In some of the most unlikely places and stories, references to Christ and His coming popped up. This morning in my daily reading I found another one. I was reading the account of the people of Israel coming to the edge of the Promised Land. After their multi-year journey in the dessert, they are about to enter the land and begin conquering it. In Numbers, chapters 22-24, we find king Balak terrified at the prospect of the Israelites being on the edge of his kingdom, Moab. He enlists the services of a pagan prophet by the name of Balaam. King Balak figures that if he can't defeat Israel militarily, maybe he can have a well known diviner put a curse on them and they'll go away. As the story develops, God puts the words in Balaam's mouth and he winds up blessing Israel instead of cursing them. In chapter 24, his last oracle says "A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel." This is a clear foretelling of the coming of the Messiah. What an interesting place for this reference to occur. It showed me, once again, that God has a clear plan that spans the ages. He knew what needed to be accomplished and it confirmed to me once again that God's plan extends to me, and you. Today, let us rejoice that God provided a way for us to know Him, and to be known by Him. We know that Star, we know that Scepter, Christ Jesus.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
What Are You Reading In 2011?
Pollsters tell us that most adults in the United States do not read a single book in a year's time. In fact, just 15 percent of people read books regularly. 80 percent have less then 10 books at home. One thing that I am grateful for is that my parents took my sisters and I to the library and purchased many books for us to read while we were growing up. That early leading and guiding has stayed with me through adulthood.
I have two distinct reading routines. The first one is first thing in the morning. This year I am reading through The Daily Bible In Chronological Order. I have used this 365 readings book several times and I am really enjoying it again this year. During my morning reading I am also reading Near To the Heart of God by Robert Morgan. This devotional uses 365 hymns as a basis for each daily reading. In addition to these two, I pick another book to read a short portion of each day. In January I read Where Angels Walk by Joan Anderson. In February I started reading Send Me Your Guardian Angel by Padre Pio. (as you can see, I'm on a theme here...)
The second part of my reading routine is reading for pleasure and to enhance my professional career. This year I have read three books in a five book series by Joel Rosenburg based on end times events. The Last Jihad, The Last Days and The Ezekiel Option. I'm looking forward to reading the other two books in this series. I'm also finishing Crazy Love by Francis Chan and I just started Cracking Your Church's Culture by Samuel Chand, two books that will help in my church work. So, are you reading? I'm always looking for good suggestions. Let me know what your book list looks like. If you are not reading, this is a great time to start. Since you can't be outside much, take some to read a book this week.
I have two distinct reading routines. The first one is first thing in the morning. This year I am reading through The Daily Bible In Chronological Order. I have used this 365 readings book several times and I am really enjoying it again this year. During my morning reading I am also reading Near To the Heart of God by Robert Morgan. This devotional uses 365 hymns as a basis for each daily reading. In addition to these two, I pick another book to read a short portion of each day. In January I read Where Angels Walk by Joan Anderson. In February I started reading Send Me Your Guardian Angel by Padre Pio. (as you can see, I'm on a theme here...)
The second part of my reading routine is reading for pleasure and to enhance my professional career. This year I have read three books in a five book series by Joel Rosenburg based on end times events. The Last Jihad, The Last Days and The Ezekiel Option. I'm looking forward to reading the other two books in this series. I'm also finishing Crazy Love by Francis Chan and I just started Cracking Your Church's Culture by Samuel Chand, two books that will help in my church work. So, are you reading? I'm always looking for good suggestions. Let me know what your book list looks like. If you are not reading, this is a great time to start. Since you can't be outside much, take some to read a book this week.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Time To Start Writing Again
If you subscribe to my blog, you may have wondered what happened to me. During the middle of the Christmas season, I decided it was time to take a break from some of the things that make my life busier than I would like it to be. While I really enjoy writing a blog, it takes a lot of thought to write about things that I think might be meaningful to other people. While many of my writings have come from my life experiences, many also come from my feelings about current events, cultural issues and just plain life. So after a 55 day break, I am going to start writing again.
Back to the issue of busyness. One of the things that prompted me to slow down during Christmas and the month after was an analysis of all the things that I do both professionally and personally. One of the difficult conclusions to come to is that some of what you do, on a regular basis, really doesn't matter. It may be necessary to fulfil a job commitment, or to insure continuity for other people, but in the end, it really doesn't matter. The realization that you are whipping a dead horse, and didn't recognize it can be disconcerting.
God and I are in conversations now about some things that I would really like to do, things that really matter. We'll see how patient I am, and if He thinks these things are important enough to act on them. In the meantime, back to my blog...
Back to the issue of busyness. One of the things that prompted me to slow down during Christmas and the month after was an analysis of all the things that I do both professionally and personally. One of the difficult conclusions to come to is that some of what you do, on a regular basis, really doesn't matter. It may be necessary to fulfil a job commitment, or to insure continuity for other people, but in the end, it really doesn't matter. The realization that you are whipping a dead horse, and didn't recognize it can be disconcerting.
God and I are in conversations now about some things that I would really like to do, things that really matter. We'll see how patient I am, and if He thinks these things are important enough to act on them. In the meantime, back to my blog...
Monday, December 13, 2010
My Own Personal Christmas Tradition
I have a Christmas tradition that somewhere along the line evolved to be my personal one. I think it's because no one else in our family enjoys black and white movies. Several years ago I bought the VHS version of the 1951 classic A Christmas Carol with Alastair Sim as Ebenezer Scrooge. A few years later I bought the DVD version that has both the black & white and colorized versions. It is still much better in black & white.
Here's a bit of trivia; The word "humbug" is misunderstood by many people, which is a pity since the word provides a key insight into Scrooge's hatred of Christmas. The word "humbug" describes deceitful efforts to fool people by pretending to a fake loftiness or false sincerity. So when Scrooge calls Christmas a humbug, he is claiming that people only pretend to charity and kindness in an scoundrel effort to delude him, each other, and themselves. In Scrooge's eyes, he is the one man honest enough to admit that no one really cares about anyone else, so for him, every wish for a Merry Christmas is one more deceitful effort to fool him and take advantage of him. This is a man who has turned to profit because he honestly believes everyone else will someday betray him or abandon him the moment he trusts them.
I think I enjoy the movie, and the book, because of the complete transformation of a person at this wonderful time of the year. On the day after Christmas, he is so different, that he is beside himself in trying to fool poor Bob Cratchit when Bob arrives a few minutes late for work. Poor Bob is so intimidated by E. S., that he can't even begin to figure out that he has been transformed. After "playing with Bob", and then giving him a raise, E.S. says "I don't deserve to be so happy. [starts laughing uncontrollably again] I can't help it. I-I can't help it!" On Christmas morning when he discovers he is still alive, and that it is Christmas morning, he nearly frightens his maid to death. He dances around his room singing a made up song "I don't know anything!/ I never did know anything!/ But now I know that I don't know/ All on a Christmas morning!" Then he proceeds to stand on his head while his maid throws her apron over her head and runs out of the room in complete panic. She is absolutely sure that E. S. has gone mad. When Bob questions his change, E. S. says "Bob, I haven't taken leave of my senses. I've come to them."
Last night I had a few hours to relax, and I spent part of that time watching A Christmas Carol again. I really enjoy that movie. I'm not sure I deserve to be this happy, but I am...
Here's a bit of trivia; The word "humbug" is misunderstood by many people, which is a pity since the word provides a key insight into Scrooge's hatred of Christmas. The word "humbug" describes deceitful efforts to fool people by pretending to a fake loftiness or false sincerity. So when Scrooge calls Christmas a humbug, he is claiming that people only pretend to charity and kindness in an scoundrel effort to delude him, each other, and themselves. In Scrooge's eyes, he is the one man honest enough to admit that no one really cares about anyone else, so for him, every wish for a Merry Christmas is one more deceitful effort to fool him and take advantage of him. This is a man who has turned to profit because he honestly believes everyone else will someday betray him or abandon him the moment he trusts them.
I think I enjoy the movie, and the book, because of the complete transformation of a person at this wonderful time of the year. On the day after Christmas, he is so different, that he is beside himself in trying to fool poor Bob Cratchit when Bob arrives a few minutes late for work. Poor Bob is so intimidated by E. S., that he can't even begin to figure out that he has been transformed. After "playing with Bob", and then giving him a raise, E.S. says "I don't deserve to be so happy. [starts laughing uncontrollably again] I can't help it. I-I can't help it!" On Christmas morning when he discovers he is still alive, and that it is Christmas morning, he nearly frightens his maid to death. He dances around his room singing a made up song "I don't know anything!/ I never did know anything!/ But now I know that I don't know/ All on a Christmas morning!" Then he proceeds to stand on his head while his maid throws her apron over her head and runs out of the room in complete panic. She is absolutely sure that E. S. has gone mad. When Bob questions his change, E. S. says "Bob, I haven't taken leave of my senses. I've come to them."
Last night I had a few hours to relax, and I spent part of that time watching A Christmas Carol again. I really enjoy that movie. I'm not sure I deserve to be this happy, but I am...
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
My Christmas Miracle
Another favorite Christmas story is told by Taylor Caldwell. She was in her 20s, recently divorced, had no job and was on her way job hunting on a spring, rainy day, with no umbrella. She sat down in the streetcar and there against the seat was a beautiful silk umbrella with a silver handle inlaid with an engraved name. The usual procedure would have been to turn the umbrella in to the conductor, but on an impulse, decided to find the owner herself. She found an address for the name in the phone book and took it to the owner. The lady was surprised to see it, it had been a birthday present and had been taken from her locker (she was a teacher) more than a year earlier. Her eyes teared up and she wanted to give Taylor a reward, but to accept money would have spoiled something. Taylor writes, "I think I gave her my address, but I don't remember."
Caldwell writes that the next 6 months were wretched. She could not find a permanent job. Her last job ended the day before Christmas, her 30 dollar rent was due and she had 15 dollars to her name. She purchased some very small gifts for her daughter, a small tree and a little food. Taylor writes, "there would be no Christmas for me. I had just about reached the lowest point in my life. Unless a miracle happened, I would be homeless in January, foodless, jobless. I had prayer steadily for weeks, and there had been no answer. God and men had forgotten me. I felt old as death, and as lonely."
She looked in her mailbox, only bills in it and two white envelopes. She went upstairs to see that her daughter, Peggy, had proudly set the kitchen table and set out the 3 cans of food that would be dinner. "I felt brokenhearted. We would have only hamburgers for our Christmas dinner tomorrow, and gelatin." She writes, "For the first time in my life, I doubted the existence of God and His mercy, and the coldness in my heart was colder than ice." Then, the doorbell rang, a delivery man was at the door. His arms were full of parcels. I could only stare at the boxes. A huge doll, gloves, candy, a beautiful leather purse. Incredible! It was the teacher, the address simply "California," where she had moved.
Our "canned" dinner that night was the most delicious I had ever eaten. I could only pray, "thank you, Father." I forgot I had no money for the rent and only fifteen dollars in my purse and no job. After Peggy went to bed, I opened the 2 white envelopes. One contained a check for thirty dollars from a company I had worked for briefly in the summer. It was, said a note, my "Christmas bonus." My rent! The other envelope was an offer of a permanent position with the government-to begin two days after Christmas. It was the most joyous moment of my life.
The church bells began to ring. I hurriedly looked at my child, who was sleeping blissfully, and ran down to the street. Someone began to sing, "Oh come, all ye faithful!" I joined in and sang with the strangers all about me. I am not alone at all, I thought. I was never alone at all.
And that, of course, is the message of Christmas. We are never alone. Not when the night is darkest, the wind coldest, the world seemingly most indifferent. God is with us, Emmanuel.
Caldwell writes that the next 6 months were wretched. She could not find a permanent job. Her last job ended the day before Christmas, her 30 dollar rent was due and she had 15 dollars to her name. She purchased some very small gifts for her daughter, a small tree and a little food. Taylor writes, "there would be no Christmas for me. I had just about reached the lowest point in my life. Unless a miracle happened, I would be homeless in January, foodless, jobless. I had prayer steadily for weeks, and there had been no answer. God and men had forgotten me. I felt old as death, and as lonely."
She looked in her mailbox, only bills in it and two white envelopes. She went upstairs to see that her daughter, Peggy, had proudly set the kitchen table and set out the 3 cans of food that would be dinner. "I felt brokenhearted. We would have only hamburgers for our Christmas dinner tomorrow, and gelatin." She writes, "For the first time in my life, I doubted the existence of God and His mercy, and the coldness in my heart was colder than ice." Then, the doorbell rang, a delivery man was at the door. His arms were full of parcels. I could only stare at the boxes. A huge doll, gloves, candy, a beautiful leather purse. Incredible! It was the teacher, the address simply "California," where she had moved.
Our "canned" dinner that night was the most delicious I had ever eaten. I could only pray, "thank you, Father." I forgot I had no money for the rent and only fifteen dollars in my purse and no job. After Peggy went to bed, I opened the 2 white envelopes. One contained a check for thirty dollars from a company I had worked for briefly in the summer. It was, said a note, my "Christmas bonus." My rent! The other envelope was an offer of a permanent position with the government-to begin two days after Christmas. It was the most joyous moment of my life.
The church bells began to ring. I hurriedly looked at my child, who was sleeping blissfully, and ran down to the street. Someone began to sing, "Oh come, all ye faithful!" I joined in and sang with the strangers all about me. I am not alone at all, I thought. I was never alone at all.
And that, of course, is the message of Christmas. We are never alone. Not when the night is darkest, the wind coldest, the world seemingly most indifferent. God is with us, Emmanuel.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Cosmic Christmas
Cosmic Christmas is a wonderful book by Max Lucado that you can read in a single sitting. It is Max's description of how Christ would come to be born from Mary. It portrays the struggle between good and evil and the attempt on Satan's part to prevent the Seed from ever arriving from Heaven. In one of the most descriptive passages, Max pits Satan against God, and the ultimate reason for Christ coming to earth is revealed.
"The two stood facing each other. God robed in light, each thread glowing. Satan canopied in evil, the very fabric of his robe seeming to crawl. The King walked over and reached for the book. He turned it toward Lucifer and commanded, "Come, Deceiver, read the name of the One who will call your bluff. Read the name of the One who will storm your gates."
Satan rose slowly off his haunches. Like a wary wolf, he walked a wide circle toward the desk until he stood before the volume and read the word: Immanuel.
"Immanuel?" He muttered to himself. "God with us?" The hooded head turned squarely toward the face of the Father. "No. Not even you would do that. Not even you would go so far. The plan is bizarre! You don't know how dark I've made the Earth. It's putrid. It's evil. It'..."
"It is mine," proclaimed the King. "And I will reclaim what is mine."
"Why?" Satan asked. "Why would you do this?"
The Father's voice was deep and soft. "Because I love them."
God loves you, and cares about you, and wants to be Lord of your life. Christmas is a wonderful time to give ourselves to God, without reservation. All you need to do is to accept His gift of new life.
"The two stood facing each other. God robed in light, each thread glowing. Satan canopied in evil, the very fabric of his robe seeming to crawl. The King walked over and reached for the book. He turned it toward Lucifer and commanded, "Come, Deceiver, read the name of the One who will call your bluff. Read the name of the One who will storm your gates."
Satan rose slowly off his haunches. Like a wary wolf, he walked a wide circle toward the desk until he stood before the volume and read the word: Immanuel.
"Immanuel?" He muttered to himself. "God with us?" The hooded head turned squarely toward the face of the Father. "No. Not even you would do that. Not even you would go so far. The plan is bizarre! You don't know how dark I've made the Earth. It's putrid. It's evil. It'..."
"It is mine," proclaimed the King. "And I will reclaim what is mine."
"Why?" Satan asked. "Why would you do this?"
The Father's voice was deep and soft. "Because I love them."
God loves you, and cares about you, and wants to be Lord of your life. Christmas is a wonderful time to give ourselves to God, without reservation. All you need to do is to accept His gift of new life.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Trouble At the Inn
One of my all time favorite Christmas stories is Dina Donohue's Trouble At the Inn. Wally was nine years old and in the second grade, though he should have been in the fourth. Most people knew he had trouble keeping up. When it came time to pick children for the annual Christmas pageant, Wally fancied himself being a shepherd with a flute, but the plays director gave him the role of the Innkeeper. That role didn't have many lines and Wally's size would make his refusal of lodging o Joseph more forceful.
As usual, a large audience had gathered for the town's yearly extravaganza of creches, beards, crowns, halos and a whole stage of squeaky voices. No one was caught up in the magic of the night more than Wallace Purling. When Joseph appeared, slowly, tenderly guiding Mary to the door of the inn, Wally the Innkeeper was there, waiting.
"What do you want?" demanded Wally, swinging the door open with a brusque gesture.
"We seek lodging."
"Seek it elsewhere.." Wally looked straight ahead but spoke vigorously. "The inn is filled."
"Sir, we have asked everywhere in vain. We have traveled far and are very weary."
"There is no room in this inn for you." Wally looked properly stern.
The conversation continued and Wally delivered his last line, "No! Be gone!" Joseph placed his arm around Mary and Mary laid her head upon her husband's shoulder and the two of them started to move away. Wally stood there in the doorway, watching the forlorn couple. His mouth was open, his brow creased with concern, his eye filling unmistakable with tears.
And suddenly this Christmas pageant became different from all others.
"Don't go, Joseph," Wally called out. "Bring Mary back." And Wallace Purling's face grew into a bright smile. "You can have my room."
Have a blessed Christmas season and take some time to read a few stories, they are gifts.
As usual, a large audience had gathered for the town's yearly extravaganza of creches, beards, crowns, halos and a whole stage of squeaky voices. No one was caught up in the magic of the night more than Wallace Purling. When Joseph appeared, slowly, tenderly guiding Mary to the door of the inn, Wally the Innkeeper was there, waiting.
"What do you want?" demanded Wally, swinging the door open with a brusque gesture.
"We seek lodging."
"Seek it elsewhere.." Wally looked straight ahead but spoke vigorously. "The inn is filled."
"Sir, we have asked everywhere in vain. We have traveled far and are very weary."
"There is no room in this inn for you." Wally looked properly stern.
The conversation continued and Wally delivered his last line, "No! Be gone!" Joseph placed his arm around Mary and Mary laid her head upon her husband's shoulder and the two of them started to move away. Wally stood there in the doorway, watching the forlorn couple. His mouth was open, his brow creased with concern, his eye filling unmistakable with tears.
And suddenly this Christmas pageant became different from all others.
"Don't go, Joseph," Wally called out. "Bring Mary back." And Wallace Purling's face grew into a bright smile. "You can have my room."
Have a blessed Christmas season and take some time to read a few stories, they are gifts.
Monday, November 29, 2010
One Of the Best Gifts
The older I get, the harder it is to remember all of the Christmases I've celebrated. It is even harder to remember many of the gifts I have received. This year, I have had a hard time coming up with a list for Kathy. She is the conduit to our families for ideas. I guess I'm more focused on celebrating the season and enjoying our family here at home, as well as our son's, their wives and children, when they get here later in December. I'm also looking forward to sitting by our tree, reading and enjoying the atmosphere of this wonderful season.
I have used this stool for virtually every home project I have ever worked on. This week, in my basement, I have used it over and over again. By the way, Don's daughter Regina is one of the finest sopranos I have ever had in one of my choirs. She is a wonderful soloist. Her mom, Wanda, was very good as well. At a farewell reception, the Graves family presented this stool to me. Little did they know that 20 years later I would consider it one of the best gifts I have ever received. As you can see, it's a little beat up, painted on and a little rickety. But I suspect I'll use it until it completely falls apart.
This Christmas season I want to share, via this blog, some of the wonderful stories I have collected over the years. I will also share some of the remarkable gifts I have received. Regardless, I am so thankful for the wonderful gift of life that Christ gave us in His coming to earth to live, die and be resurrected to reconcile us to the Father. There is no better gift. This season is our chance to tell a desperate world about His coming, and His gift to us.
Time to put my stool away, I'm finished with it for this project. I'll keep it close by...
I've been working down in our basement for the past few days. We're painting, cleaning and scrubbing tile floors, installing new lights and generally getting ready for the holidays. As I was thinking about this blog yesterday, I noticed one of the best gifts I have ever received. The interesting thing about this gift is that it wasn't given to me at Christmas, it came to me when we moved from Manteca, California to Denver, Colorado. I worked at First Assembly in Manteca for 7 years, once in the 70s and the second time in the 80s. The second time we were there, I directed the choir every Sunday standing on a small step, in order for the last row of the choir to be able to see me. I have had to use a step in a couple of churches for this same reason. In fact, when we left First Assembly in Albany, Oregon, the choir all signed the step I used and they gave it to me as a parting gift. Apparently they didn't think that their next minister of music would be vertically challenged and would need the "box." The gift I received in Manteca was similar, but it was a small step stool built by the husband and father of two of my choir members. Here is a picture of my stool that was built by Don Graves.
I have used this stool for virtually every home project I have ever worked on. This week, in my basement, I have used it over and over again. By the way, Don's daughter Regina is one of the finest sopranos I have ever had in one of my choirs. She is a wonderful soloist. Her mom, Wanda, was very good as well. At a farewell reception, the Graves family presented this stool to me. Little did they know that 20 years later I would consider it one of the best gifts I have ever received. As you can see, it's a little beat up, painted on and a little rickety. But I suspect I'll use it until it completely falls apart.
This Christmas season I want to share, via this blog, some of the wonderful stories I have collected over the years. I will also share some of the remarkable gifts I have received. Regardless, I am so thankful for the wonderful gift of life that Christ gave us in His coming to earth to live, die and be resurrected to reconcile us to the Father. There is no better gift. This season is our chance to tell a desperate world about His coming, and His gift to us.
Time to put my stool away, I'm finished with it for this project. I'll keep it close by...
Friday, November 26, 2010
Ray Charles and Christmas Angel
The day after Thanksgiving is always a potpourri of activities for us. This year we shopped for some new lighting in our basement, I went to pick up a part for Nicole's car from the Toyota dealership, only to find out it was the wrong one, and Kathy and I spent time cleaning out our storage area in the basement and I installed our new lighting. We took some time to watch a Christmas movie titled Christmas Angel. It was the story of a wealthy philanthropist who found out late in life that it is better to give than receive. A multi-millionaire businessman who lost his wife and family because of his obsession with making money. In the end, he gave it all away to needy people. A little predictable, but a fun way to start the season.
The other thing I did has become a personal tradition. I watched, (I'm not sure how many times this is, but it is a lot), Ray Charles Celebrate A Gospel Christmas. In what may have been his last video taped concert, (Christmas 2003, Ray Charles died in June of 2004), Ray Charles sang Christmas songs, gospel songs and his famous arrangement of America, the Beautiful. In this concert he is joined by the 120 Voices of Jubilation from Newark, New Jersey. The wild thing about this concert is that it was performed in Green Bay, Wisconsin. It is obvious from the first song that the audience is incredibly responsive to Ray Charles and all the music. They clap as each song starts, they clap in the middle and they go wild at the end. The interesting thing is that when the cameras pan the audience, there is not a single black person in the audience, and almost everyone on the stage is black. What a wonderful inter-cultural experience for all those folks. One of the memorable performances on this video is the Voices of Jubilation's rendition of Total Praise. The director is wonderful to watch. His animation makes the song come alive. The entire concert is a lot of fun and a great way to start the Christmas season. Ray Charles and the choir singing Oh, Happy Day is great.
Now, on the the big stuff. Unwinding the outdoor lights and making sure they all work...
The other thing I did has become a personal tradition. I watched, (I'm not sure how many times this is, but it is a lot), Ray Charles Celebrate A Gospel Christmas. In what may have been his last video taped concert, (Christmas 2003, Ray Charles died in June of 2004), Ray Charles sang Christmas songs, gospel songs and his famous arrangement of America, the Beautiful. In this concert he is joined by the 120 Voices of Jubilation from Newark, New Jersey. The wild thing about this concert is that it was performed in Green Bay, Wisconsin. It is obvious from the first song that the audience is incredibly responsive to Ray Charles and all the music. They clap as each song starts, they clap in the middle and they go wild at the end. The interesting thing is that when the cameras pan the audience, there is not a single black person in the audience, and almost everyone on the stage is black. What a wonderful inter-cultural experience for all those folks. One of the memorable performances on this video is the Voices of Jubilation's rendition of Total Praise. The director is wonderful to watch. His animation makes the song come alive. The entire concert is a lot of fun and a great way to start the Christmas season. Ray Charles and the choir singing Oh, Happy Day is great.
Now, on the the big stuff. Unwinding the outdoor lights and making sure they all work...
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Thanksgiving Day 2010
This morning I was up early to help register runners and walkers for the 20th Gobble Wobble 5K at our church. Every year this race is a benefit for Teen Challenge, a faith based drug rehab program that we support. Several hundred runners braved very cold and drizzly conditions to participate. I thank God for everyone who participated and gave unselfishly on this day to help others.
Now I'm home, I helped Kathy get the turkey stuffed and into the oven and now we have a few minutes to relax. While I try and be grateful all year long for God's blessings to us, this day really helps me reflect on the things that I am so thankful for. As I drove home from the church this morning, and called Kathy to let her know I was on my way, I was weepy as I thought about how much I love her and am thankful to God for her. This hasn't been the greatest year of our lives, but the love that we share and the support we give each other has helped make it a year that we can truly say "God has been faithful." I am thankful for all our children, our married children and grandchildren who are in Springfield, Missouri, Medford, Oregon and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. I am thankful for our three teenagers still at home. Even with the challenges that parenting has produced this year, our lives our enriched by our teenagers. I thank God for my parents, sisters and brother and their families, and Kathy's parents and siblings. I am thankful that our home is warm, there is food in the pantry, our bills are paid and we have a little money in the bank.
I am thankful that as I sat and read God's Word this morning, His promises are true and apply to me, because He loves me and has a relationship with me, by His choosing. I am thankful for friends who love us, and care about us, a church family that we can share our talent and ability with, and our country that has provided the freedom that we enjoy today to worship God like we choose. I am thankful for a day of rest, and the opportunity to reflect on the reasons for the peace and contentment that I feel. Have a blessed day as you thank God for His goodness to you.
Now I'm home, I helped Kathy get the turkey stuffed and into the oven and now we have a few minutes to relax. While I try and be grateful all year long for God's blessings to us, this day really helps me reflect on the things that I am so thankful for. As I drove home from the church this morning, and called Kathy to let her know I was on my way, I was weepy as I thought about how much I love her and am thankful to God for her. This hasn't been the greatest year of our lives, but the love that we share and the support we give each other has helped make it a year that we can truly say "God has been faithful." I am thankful for all our children, our married children and grandchildren who are in Springfield, Missouri, Medford, Oregon and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. I am thankful for our three teenagers still at home. Even with the challenges that parenting has produced this year, our lives our enriched by our teenagers. I thank God for my parents, sisters and brother and their families, and Kathy's parents and siblings. I am thankful that our home is warm, there is food in the pantry, our bills are paid and we have a little money in the bank.
I am thankful that as I sat and read God's Word this morning, His promises are true and apply to me, because He loves me and has a relationship with me, by His choosing. I am thankful for friends who love us, and care about us, a church family that we can share our talent and ability with, and our country that has provided the freedom that we enjoy today to worship God like we choose. I am thankful for a day of rest, and the opportunity to reflect on the reasons for the peace and contentment that I feel. Have a blessed day as you thank God for His goodness to you.
Friday, November 19, 2010
My Utmost For His Highest
Oswald Chambers was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1874, the son of a Baptist minister. As a teenager, after hearing Charles Spurgeon preach, young Oswald surrendered his life to Jesus Christ. Chambers studied for the ministry and was the first principal of the Bible Training College at Clapham Common, London. World War I exploded on Europe and the college was closed in 1915.
Chambers joined the staff of the YMCA and with his wife, Biddy, was sent to Europe to minister to the English and Australian troops stationed in Zeitoun and Ismailia. The YMCA constructed 72 by 40 foot reed huts for the soldiers to come and relax in. Within a week, Oswald Chambers had four hundred soldiers packed in each night to hear him teach the Bible. Hundreds came to Christ. He wrote in his diary, "There are so many 'saved' souls waiting instruction, and they take it with zest. There is no difficulty at all in getting men to 'decide' for Christ, they do it readily." Sadly, on November 17, 1917, Chambers died of complications from an appendix operation.
Chambers had written just one book before he died, Baffled to Fight Better, but he had kept a journal. Biddy (his wife) was a trained court stenographer and had taken down word for word many of his hundreds of messages delivered at colleges and military camps. She began editing his material into 365 daily readings and named it My Utmost for His Highest. She completed it in 1927, ten years after Oswald's death. Today the book remains among the top ten Christian titles sold annually.
What will be our legacy, yours and mine? God cannot only use our lives for His glory while we are alive and working for Him, but long after we are gone. O God, help us to keep our focus on You and what You have asked us to do. We'll leave the results to You, for Your glory.
Chambers joined the staff of the YMCA and with his wife, Biddy, was sent to Europe to minister to the English and Australian troops stationed in Zeitoun and Ismailia. The YMCA constructed 72 by 40 foot reed huts for the soldiers to come and relax in. Within a week, Oswald Chambers had four hundred soldiers packed in each night to hear him teach the Bible. Hundreds came to Christ. He wrote in his diary, "There are so many 'saved' souls waiting instruction, and they take it with zest. There is no difficulty at all in getting men to 'decide' for Christ, they do it readily." Sadly, on November 17, 1917, Chambers died of complications from an appendix operation.
Chambers had written just one book before he died, Baffled to Fight Better, but he had kept a journal. Biddy (his wife) was a trained court stenographer and had taken down word for word many of his hundreds of messages delivered at colleges and military camps. She began editing his material into 365 daily readings and named it My Utmost for His Highest. She completed it in 1927, ten years after Oswald's death. Today the book remains among the top ten Christian titles sold annually.
What will be our legacy, yours and mine? God cannot only use our lives for His glory while we are alive and working for Him, but long after we are gone. O God, help us to keep our focus on You and what You have asked us to do. We'll leave the results to You, for Your glory.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Christmas Reading
Every year, for many years now, Kathy and I have purchased one or two Christmas books a year. Some have been collections of short stories, others are Christmas novels and some have been table top books. One of our favorite authors is Richard Paul Evans. His book, Christmas Box, is a classic. We also enjoyed The Christmas List, The Gift and others by him. This year Evans has a new book titled Promise Me. Kathy found it at Sam's Club the other day and brought it home with some other Christmas shopping. I decided to start reading it on Sunday evening and I finished it last night. Normally, I would wait until closer to Christmas, but since I am a minister of music, I have been selecting, rehearsing and planning for Christmas since July, so reading a Christmas book now fits right into where I am.For me, part of the enjoyment of Christmas is to immerse myself in the lives of other people and their Christmas celebrations. Many of the stories I have read have been true life stories, others are fictional. All of them help me focus on the wonder of the coming of the Savior and His tremendous gift to me. Another thing I have discovered over the years is that Christmas can "blow right past" you if you let it. The busyness of the season can almost make Christmas one of the those things that you can't wait to come and go so that your schedule can slow down. I have found that if I have a Christmas book to read, even if all I have is a few minutes, those minutes can be so meaningful. Right after Thanksgiving we'll bring up a lot of our Christmas story collections books and put them on our living room coffee table. A cup of tea, a fire in the fireplace and a couple of Christmas stories helps melt away the busyness of the day. This year, in addition to all your Black Friday shopping, stop in a bookstore and look for their Christmas books display. It will be there, and there will be a lot of wonderful books there. Pick up a book of short stories, buy yourself some Constant Comment tea and that evening, read a couple of stories. It will do your soul good...
Thursday, November 11, 2010
A Very Nice Visit With My Parents
My dad has a lot trouble hearing, so our conversations were very short, but I was able to spend a lot of time with my mom, catching up on their move, all of our relatives that we do not see very often and catching her up on my family and all the things we are up to. The interesting thing was all the "spin off" conversations that a memory or an event took us on. I had several questions about the Spanish speaking church that I grew up in and that conversation brought back some neat memories. She reminded me of getting pulled over by a motorcycle policeman right in front of the the church because I pulled out in front of him without signaling or checking to see if anyone was coming. As I recall, I didn't get a ticket because I didn't have a license yet, just my permit. Another memory that I remember was a treat that happened every once in a while when we came home from our evening church service. It was usually fairly late and everyone was hungry. We stopped at a hamburger place where you could get a "bag of burgers for a buck" and a "bag of fries for a buck". For two dollars, we had a feast when we got home from church.
We reminisced about people that we had known and lost contact with, and people that have come back into our lives, largely with digital technology like Facebook. My memory of many of these folks was like I knew them many years ago. I was jarred back to reality more than once when I asked how old someone was now and my mom would say "I think they are in their eighties, or late seventies". Yikes, I remember them in their 20s and 30s. I suppose that some day in the next decade or two, I'll sit with my children and we'll do the same kind of reminiscing. I'll shock them with how old the people are that they remember, and we'll share great memories from every generation. One day, probably sooner than later, I won't be able to do this anymore with my parents. So I am very grateful for another opportunity to do that this week. We made plans to bring Kathy and our kids at home next summer to see them. I hope we can all do the same kind of reminiscing. I think it is really good for us to remember where we came from. It helps clarify where were are going.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
This Was Quite An Election
I was up yesterday shortly after 4 AM to get ready to go to the election precinct where I have worked for the past several elections. We opened at 6 AM with many people in line and, except for a short lunch break, I did not sit down until our polls closed at 7 PM. I work at Gambrill Gardens, a retirement living center in West St. Louis County. A lot of our voters are elderly residents of the center. So, in addition to my normal job of helping people cast their ballots on the electronic and paper machines, many of the elderly voters need to have the ballot read to them, or they need special help with the touch screens. When I got home, I was exhausted, however, I really enjoyed the day.
In addition to the large turnout, we had close to 60%, I noticed a real determination on many people's part to "make a difference". In one form or another, many people said something like, "I want my vote to count" or "I want to help make a difference". On our ballot we had quite a few judge confirmations. It surprised me, with many of the elderly voters I assisted, how many of them voted NO on judge confirmations, almost as if there was a determination to sweep every area of government clean and start again.
I think the past 18 months have reignited a grass roots feeling in this country that the individual can make a difference. It has confirmed the idea that the will of the people cannot be ignored, and that if it is, the people will make changes. Now, Christians, it time to pray for new leaders, new direction and people in leadership who will be open to the wisdom and guidance of God. This was quite an election cycle, now let's do something with it.
In addition to the large turnout, we had close to 60%, I noticed a real determination on many people's part to "make a difference". In one form or another, many people said something like, "I want my vote to count" or "I want to help make a difference". On our ballot we had quite a few judge confirmations. It surprised me, with many of the elderly voters I assisted, how many of them voted NO on judge confirmations, almost as if there was a determination to sweep every area of government clean and start again.
I think the past 18 months have reignited a grass roots feeling in this country that the individual can make a difference. It has confirmed the idea that the will of the people cannot be ignored, and that if it is, the people will make changes. Now, Christians, it time to pray for new leaders, new direction and people in leadership who will be open to the wisdom and guidance of God. This was quite an election cycle, now let's do something with it.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
I Had Hoped We'd Be Better Than This
I normally don't write two blogs in one day, but I could not let a recent quote from President Obama go without commenting on it. First, I am a patriotic American, second, I am a full blooded Latino, third, I am a Christian who prays for our elected leaders, including President Obama.
Yesterday, addressing a Latino audience, the President said; "And if Latinos sit out the election instead of saying, we're gonna punish our enemies and we're gonna reward our friends who stand with us on issues that are important to us, if they don't see that kind of upsurge in voting in this election, then I think it's gonna be harder - and that's why I think it's so important that people focus on voting on November 2." When I heard a replay of this quote, I was extremely disappointed and terribly frustrated at the bottom feeding level of rhetoric that the upcoming election is generating. I believe our country has always taken pride in the fact that we could disagree politically and ideologically, but when push came to shove, we would unite again to get the job done. Our transitions of power at presidential election time have always been orderly, regardless of how heated and dividing the rhetoric might have been. I can never remember, however, anyone calling someone who didn't agree with you an enemy. In particular, using the word to describe a large class of people, who do not agree with you. Use of the word enemy takes the situation to a new level, a level that may make it impossible to unite again after the next election is over. Punish is a word that implies much more than just winning or losing an election. It implies a continuing action that goes far beyond the casting of a ballot. I have been concerned for our country as the discussion about illegal immigration, health care, the economy and other issues has become so contentious. Now, with the leader of our country talking in terms of enemies and punishing, who will be the uniter? Who can we look to? Obviously, as a Christian, my prayer focus doesn't change, but emotionally it is much harder to pray for a president that sees me as his enemy, as someone who needs to be punished. I have had to work at praying for him because I don't support his handling of the economy, or the passage of the massive health care bill, or the US government's lawsuit against Arizona, a state that is merely trying to enforce federal law already on the books. But I will continue to pray, because my Lord has asked me to.
O God, times are tough, and getting tougher. We need Your wisdom, Your grace, Your love. Help us, O God, to make a difference in these contentious times. We need You, O God. Our country needs You. We are a needy people and You must be Lord of our lives. Thank You, because we can trust You and Your word.
Yesterday, addressing a Latino audience, the President said; "And if Latinos sit out the election instead of saying, we're gonna punish our enemies and we're gonna reward our friends who stand with us on issues that are important to us, if they don't see that kind of upsurge in voting in this election, then I think it's gonna be harder - and that's why I think it's so important that people focus on voting on November 2." When I heard a replay of this quote, I was extremely disappointed and terribly frustrated at the bottom feeding level of rhetoric that the upcoming election is generating. I believe our country has always taken pride in the fact that we could disagree politically and ideologically, but when push came to shove, we would unite again to get the job done. Our transitions of power at presidential election time have always been orderly, regardless of how heated and dividing the rhetoric might have been. I can never remember, however, anyone calling someone who didn't agree with you an enemy. In particular, using the word to describe a large class of people, who do not agree with you. Use of the word enemy takes the situation to a new level, a level that may make it impossible to unite again after the next election is over. Punish is a word that implies much more than just winning or losing an election. It implies a continuing action that goes far beyond the casting of a ballot. I have been concerned for our country as the discussion about illegal immigration, health care, the economy and other issues has become so contentious. Now, with the leader of our country talking in terms of enemies and punishing, who will be the uniter? Who can we look to? Obviously, as a Christian, my prayer focus doesn't change, but emotionally it is much harder to pray for a president that sees me as his enemy, as someone who needs to be punished. I have had to work at praying for him because I don't support his handling of the economy, or the passage of the massive health care bill, or the US government's lawsuit against Arizona, a state that is merely trying to enforce federal law already on the books. But I will continue to pray, because my Lord has asked me to.
O God, times are tough, and getting tougher. We need Your wisdom, Your grace, Your love. Help us, O God, to make a difference in these contentious times. We need You, O God. Our country needs You. We are a needy people and You must be Lord of our lives. Thank You, because we can trust You and Your word.
The Dreaded Check Engine Light
This morning I took my car in for the safety inspection, paid my $12 and smugly awaited a positive outcome. Alas, it wasn't to be. I have a right front axle that needs to be replaced, Grrr. Since I take my vehicles to the same mechanic, they let it slide and passed my car anyway, with my pledge that I would get if fixed, soon. I sense another DIY project... Then it was on to the Check Engine light. 3 hours and $257 later, my check engine light was off. I learned all about EGRs and compression modulators and still felt taken.
On the way home I noticed I was looking at the dash every few seconds. Maybe if I stop looking at it, the check engine light will just go on and I can start the "taking it back to the mechanic" routine. I love my car, I hate my car. :)
Sunday, October 24, 2010
The 99ers
One of the stories on 60 Minutes tonight was about people in the Silicon Valley (the high tech area in the San Francisco Bay Area of California) who have lost their jobs to the current recession. Most of the story revolved around a type of town hall meeting for people who were unemployed. It was part support group, part 12 Step type meeting and part revival meeting. They called themselves the 99ers. (Unemployment benefits were extended by Congress to 99 weeks. Because of the huge cost, Congress will probably not extend the benefits again.) The 60 Minutes commentator interviewed several people. Most of them were high level professionals who made everywhere from $70,000 a year to well over $200,000. In many cases they had exhausted their unemployment insurance, cashed out their retirement accounts and gone through all of their savings. These were single and married people in their 40s, 50s and 60s.
The comments were almost nearly the same. Most people said something like "I can't believe this has happened to me", or "I never believed it would take 2 years, 3 years to find another job". One single lady who had exhausted all of her resources finally moved into an attic space in a friend of a friends house in exchange for cooking and cleaning. This single lady in her 50s was virtually at the end of the financial line. Another family had used all of their savings, they had used their children's college savings accounts and were trying to sell their home. The man, who lost his $200,000 a year job, had exhausted his unemployment insurance and had taken all of his 401K account to buy a franchise business that cleans home heating and AC vents. Sadly, because of the recession there wasn't enough work to make any money. They were at the end of their financial rope.
The story ended without any answers, just an overall sense of hopelessness. You wonder how people in this situation cope? Many Christians are in this same situation. Without the promises of God, and the family of God that these people belong to, it would be hopeless. If this recession continues to improve at the very slow pace it is, I think we as the family of God will need to stretch ourselves as we help fellow believers who are caught in this almost unbelievable situation. We may need to figure out ways to give major help; financial, spiritual and practical. We also need to find ways to reach out to people who don't know the Lord, who are panicked and have no where to turn. God help us make a difference. Help us to be so thankful for what you have blessed us with and be willing to give a lot of your blessings away.
The comments were almost nearly the same. Most people said something like "I can't believe this has happened to me", or "I never believed it would take 2 years, 3 years to find another job". One single lady who had exhausted all of her resources finally moved into an attic space in a friend of a friends house in exchange for cooking and cleaning. This single lady in her 50s was virtually at the end of the financial line. Another family had used all of their savings, they had used their children's college savings accounts and were trying to sell their home. The man, who lost his $200,000 a year job, had exhausted his unemployment insurance and had taken all of his 401K account to buy a franchise business that cleans home heating and AC vents. Sadly, because of the recession there wasn't enough work to make any money. They were at the end of their financial rope.
The story ended without any answers, just an overall sense of hopelessness. You wonder how people in this situation cope? Many Christians are in this same situation. Without the promises of God, and the family of God that these people belong to, it would be hopeless. If this recession continues to improve at the very slow pace it is, I think we as the family of God will need to stretch ourselves as we help fellow believers who are caught in this almost unbelievable situation. We may need to figure out ways to give major help; financial, spiritual and practical. We also need to find ways to reach out to people who don't know the Lord, who are panicked and have no where to turn. God help us make a difference. Help us to be so thankful for what you have blessed us with and be willing to give a lot of your blessings away.
Monday, October 18, 2010
"Joy To the World" For A Missions Convention
There are some categories of Christian life that very little music is written for. One of those is for a Missions emphasis service. As our younger generations get further away from hymnal singing, it gets harder to find and pick Missions oriented music.
This past week I was trying to find a good opening song for our 2nd week of Mission's services. I remembered reading about a hymnal that Issac Watts published in 1719. It was titled Psalms of David Imitated in the Language of the New Testament. Watts paraphrased 138 of the Psalms with the intent of having people who sang these hymns, sing them from a New Testament meaning and style.
Psalm 98, verses 1 through 3 says: Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. The LORD has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations. He has remembered his love and his faithfulness to the house of Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
This Psalm anticipates the time when Jehovah will be the God of the whole earth and His kingdom will reign over all the nations. With this Psalm talking about God's salvation and revealing His righteousness to the nations, it seemed like the perfect hymn for our Missions service. In giving this Psalm a New Testament expression of praise for the salvation of God, Watts chose to begin by giving praise for the God who became incarnate as the Babe of Bethlehem. Issac Watts titled Psalm 98, The Messiah's Coming and Kingdom.
Sometime later, the title was changed to Joy To the World, and has become one of the most beloved Christmas hymns. I must admit, it was a little weird, but we sang Joy To the World yesterday, October 14th, as a Missions hymn. I think it worked.
This past week I was trying to find a good opening song for our 2nd week of Mission's services. I remembered reading about a hymnal that Issac Watts published in 1719. It was titled Psalms of David Imitated in the Language of the New Testament. Watts paraphrased 138 of the Psalms with the intent of having people who sang these hymns, sing them from a New Testament meaning and style.
Psalm 98, verses 1 through 3 says: Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. The LORD has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations. He has remembered his love and his faithfulness to the house of Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
This Psalm anticipates the time when Jehovah will be the God of the whole earth and His kingdom will reign over all the nations. With this Psalm talking about God's salvation and revealing His righteousness to the nations, it seemed like the perfect hymn for our Missions service. In giving this Psalm a New Testament expression of praise for the salvation of God, Watts chose to begin by giving praise for the God who became incarnate as the Babe of Bethlehem. Issac Watts titled Psalm 98, The Messiah's Coming and Kingdom.
Sometime later, the title was changed to Joy To the World, and has become one of the most beloved Christmas hymns. I must admit, it was a little weird, but we sang Joy To the World yesterday, October 14th, as a Missions hymn. I think it worked.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Are the Windows Of Heaven Shut For You?
One of the toughest spots to be in as Christians is when we feel like our prayers are not being heard. It's as if Heaven has been closed to us. Usually this comes at a time when we are struggling with one or more serious issues, we recognize that God is the only one who can really help, and it seems like He doesn't care.
In Psalm 77, starting at verse 7, David writes this; "Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again? Has his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time? Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?" Then I thought, "To this I will appeal: the years of the right hand of the Most High." I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.
The temptation at this point is to help God remember all the good things you have done. All the ministry you have provided in His name, all the selfless acts of kindness you have performed, reminding Him of all your sacrifice. However, David continues to write in verse 13; Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. With your mighty arm you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.
While it is tempting to try and make God aware of all the good reasons why He should be responding to our prayers, David's approach brings worship, praise and his requests to God in a manner that is consistent with the character of God. A God who loves our worship, our praise and loves to manifest His power among us. God will answer you in His time, in His way, and you will be amazed. Hang on, this season of time will not last. God loves you so much, and He hears every word you whisper to Him.
In Psalm 77, starting at verse 7, David writes this; "Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again? Has his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time? Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?" Then I thought, "To this I will appeal: the years of the right hand of the Most High." I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.
The temptation at this point is to help God remember all the good things you have done. All the ministry you have provided in His name, all the selfless acts of kindness you have performed, reminding Him of all your sacrifice. However, David continues to write in verse 13; Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. With your mighty arm you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.
While it is tempting to try and make God aware of all the good reasons why He should be responding to our prayers, David's approach brings worship, praise and his requests to God in a manner that is consistent with the character of God. A God who loves our worship, our praise and loves to manifest His power among us. God will answer you in His time, in His way, and you will be amazed. Hang on, this season of time will not last. God loves you so much, and He hears every word you whisper to Him.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
It Is So Much Easier To Be A Man
This week I observed another "changing of the season" ritual in our bedroom. Kathy changing from her summer wardrobe to her fall wardrobe. For a couple of days there were piles of clothes on our bed, our living room couches, hanging up in our bathroom and other places I'm sure I was unaware of. Of course she made a trip to Target to buy more plastic storage tubs, to join the other storage tubs we already have in our basement. I watched with fascination as the piles grew, then shrunk as clothes got sorted on other piles, into the closet, back out of the closet, into a tub, out of that tub into another tub. Finally, all the clothes made the transition. I took the tubs down to the basement, however, not into storage yet, we still need to organize the other tubs that are already down there. After all, in a couple of months, her Christmas clothes tubs will need to come up. Then came the shoes. You can't wear summer shoes in the fall, after all. Piles of shoes and sandals. Why does a person keep all the shoe boxes?
Just as the clothes transfer ended, the fall jewelry sort started. Kathy has two drawers in her chest of drawers just for jewelry. I must admit, it is cataloged well, and fairly neat. I was amused watching her sort and move jewelry around, talking to herself about what would go with what, and trying on things she hadn't worn in a while. Watching her busyness with her jewelry reminded me to do a quick inventory of mine. Yep, my two rings that never come off my fingers are still there and the only watch I wear is on my dresser. After she showed me her new fall finger nail polish color, the fall switchover was complete. I was exhausted...
However, I was inspired to take a look at my fall wardrobe to make sure I'm ready. Let's see, I've got two clean undershirts and it appears at least one long sleeved shirt is ironed. Now, I'll polish my brown pair of shoes and my black pair and I think I'll be ready. Oh, and yes, my pair of Christmas socks are in my sock drawer just where I put them after last Christmas.
It sure is easier being a man.
Just as the clothes transfer ended, the fall jewelry sort started. Kathy has two drawers in her chest of drawers just for jewelry. I must admit, it is cataloged well, and fairly neat. I was amused watching her sort and move jewelry around, talking to herself about what would go with what, and trying on things she hadn't worn in a while. Watching her busyness with her jewelry reminded me to do a quick inventory of mine. Yep, my two rings that never come off my fingers are still there and the only watch I wear is on my dresser. After she showed me her new fall finger nail polish color, the fall switchover was complete. I was exhausted...
However, I was inspired to take a look at my fall wardrobe to make sure I'm ready. Let's see, I've got two clean undershirts and it appears at least one long sleeved shirt is ironed. Now, I'll polish my brown pair of shoes and my black pair and I think I'll be ready. Oh, and yes, my pair of Christmas socks are in my sock drawer just where I put them after last Christmas.
It sure is easier being a man.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Earning the Right To Lead People To Christ
I've been doing a lot of thinking lately about the process of leading people to Christ. If we are surrounded by a world (our immediate circle of neighbors, acquaintances, workplace friends, relatives, etc.) that desperately needs Christ, than how does the process begin where sharing Christ becomes a natural part of our lives. A story I recently read, by Jonathan Fallwell, the senior pastor at Thomas Road Baptist Church, is part of the key.
Jonathan tells of going with his father, Jerry Fallwell, on a trip to debate Larry Flynt, the publisher of Hustler magazine. After the debate, Mr. Flynt asked Jerry Fallwell if he could give he and his son a ride back to Lynchburg, Virginia after the debate. Mr. Fallwell agreed and they boarded Mr. Flynt's beautiful black and gold Gulfstream III. On the trip the two men talked as if they were old friends, about sports, food, politics and many other topics. After they landed, Jonathan Fallwell asked his dad about that conversation, a conversation that really bothered Jonathan. "Dad, how is it that you can sit on that airplane and carry on a conversation with him as if you guys were old friends. He is the exact opposite of everything you believe in; he does all of the things that you preach against; and yet you were treating him as you would someone from our own church. Why?" Jonathan then wrote this; "Dad's response changed my whole outlook on ministry. He said, 'Jonathan, there's going to be a day when Larry Flynt is hurting and lonely and will be looking for help and guidance. He is going to pick up the phone and call someone who can help him. I want to earn the right to be that phone call!'"
Isn't this how Christ lived his life on earth. He was severely criticized for spending time with sinners, yet I'm sure He knew that one day they would call on Him in their time of need. O God, help me, help us, to develop the kind of relationships with people who do not know you in such a way that it earns us the right to be the "phone call" of help that leads them to You.
Jonathan tells of going with his father, Jerry Fallwell, on a trip to debate Larry Flynt, the publisher of Hustler magazine. After the debate, Mr. Flynt asked Jerry Fallwell if he could give he and his son a ride back to Lynchburg, Virginia after the debate. Mr. Fallwell agreed and they boarded Mr. Flynt's beautiful black and gold Gulfstream III. On the trip the two men talked as if they were old friends, about sports, food, politics and many other topics. After they landed, Jonathan Fallwell asked his dad about that conversation, a conversation that really bothered Jonathan. "Dad, how is it that you can sit on that airplane and carry on a conversation with him as if you guys were old friends. He is the exact opposite of everything you believe in; he does all of the things that you preach against; and yet you were treating him as you would someone from our own church. Why?" Jonathan then wrote this; "Dad's response changed my whole outlook on ministry. He said, 'Jonathan, there's going to be a day when Larry Flynt is hurting and lonely and will be looking for help and guidance. He is going to pick up the phone and call someone who can help him. I want to earn the right to be that phone call!'"
Isn't this how Christ lived his life on earth. He was severely criticized for spending time with sinners, yet I'm sure He knew that one day they would call on Him in their time of need. O God, help me, help us, to develop the kind of relationships with people who do not know you in such a way that it earns us the right to be the "phone call" of help that leads them to You.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Stopping People From Running Into the Pit
This morning we began our annual Missions emphasis at our church. During one of the praise & worship songs, Mighty To Save, (the lyrics talk about our mighty God's power and His salvation) I remembered an incident from the middle 80s that I related to our 8:15 AM service congregation. Kathy and I were serving on the staff of the PTL Television Network and I was also on the pastoral staff of Heritage Village Church. It was a holiday weekend and PTL usually had many holiday events, including All Night Sings. All the greats in gospel music were invited. That weekend Maude Aimee Humbard was one of the singing guests and her husband, Pastor Rex Humbard, was along for the trip. He was the long time pastor of The Cathedral of Tomorrow in Akron, Ohio, and at one time reached more people around the world by television than any other Christian broadcast.
Rex Humbard was driven by the task of preaching and leading people to Christ. He was known as a "soul winner", a person who has a single focus of leading people to Jesus. On this particular weekend, during the early hours of the morning, while the All Night Sing was going on in the main auditorium, I went behind the auditorium into a large hallway where there were refreshments and chairs for performers to sit on. Rex was there all by himself, sitting in a chair near the refreshments. I asked if I could sit down and talk with him. He said yes. In the course of our conversation, I asked him what had started him on the ministry path of being so focused on leading people to Christ. He told me about an early dream or vision he had. "I was driving on a rural road. As I drove past a large field, I noticed many cars pulled over and people running to the center of the field. My curiosity got the better of me and I stopped my car and started walking toward the center of the field. As I got closer to the center, I realized that there was a large pit in the center. Many people tried to hold themselves back, but they couldn't and fell screaming into the pit. Others, as they were running, never even slowed down and fell into the pit. I immediately realized that this was an opening to Hell and I had to stop people from falling into the pit."
This was near the end of his public ministry. Probably close to 50 years of preaching and teaching. As he told me the story, I could tell he had the same passion, and the story was just as real that night as it was when he first experienced it. Incredible. Are there any more Rex Humbards out there?
Rex Humbard was driven by the task of preaching and leading people to Christ. He was known as a "soul winner", a person who has a single focus of leading people to Jesus. On this particular weekend, during the early hours of the morning, while the All Night Sing was going on in the main auditorium, I went behind the auditorium into a large hallway where there were refreshments and chairs for performers to sit on. Rex was there all by himself, sitting in a chair near the refreshments. I asked if I could sit down and talk with him. He said yes. In the course of our conversation, I asked him what had started him on the ministry path of being so focused on leading people to Christ. He told me about an early dream or vision he had. "I was driving on a rural road. As I drove past a large field, I noticed many cars pulled over and people running to the center of the field. My curiosity got the better of me and I stopped my car and started walking toward the center of the field. As I got closer to the center, I realized that there was a large pit in the center. Many people tried to hold themselves back, but they couldn't and fell screaming into the pit. Others, as they were running, never even slowed down and fell into the pit. I immediately realized that this was an opening to Hell and I had to stop people from falling into the pit."
This was near the end of his public ministry. Probably close to 50 years of preaching and teaching. As he told me the story, I could tell he had the same passion, and the story was just as real that night as it was when he first experienced it. Incredible. Are there any more Rex Humbards out there?
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Getting Back On the Right Track
Nehemiah was tremendously used of God to bless Israel by hearing from God, and carrying out a plan to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. The Biblical account of Nehemiah and his efforts are inspiring and have many applications to our lives as Christians. While this was a wonderful time in the lives of the nation of Israel, another momentous event took place at the same time. On October 8th, 445 B.C., Ezra, the high priest at the time, brought the scroll of the Law before an assembly of all the Jews in Jerusalem.
The date was significant because it was the first day of the Hebrew civil calendar. Ezra began reading at daybreak and read until noon. Historians tell us that the people stood and listened attentively and began to weep as they realized that what they were hearing were the very words of God. The reading of the Law on October 8, 445 B.C. was a turning point in the history of Israel. Until that day, the people's lives centered around the the temple. On this day they became a people whose religious life centered on a book - God's book.
The next day, October 9th, family leaders, priests and Levites met with Ezra to go over the Law in greater detail. Their detailed study led them to celebrat the Feast of Tabernacles again, and more importantly, it led them to celebrate again the Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur on October 17th.
I have been reading through the Bible this year with the God Sightings version. I cannot tell you how many times God's word has given me a thought or promise to live by for the day. Sometimes it is a nugget of enlightenment that brings such joy and peace to my spirit. I can't imagine an entire city being so moved by God's Word that they wept as one and vowed to live by His law. What an incredible event.
The date was significant because it was the first day of the Hebrew civil calendar. Ezra began reading at daybreak and read until noon. Historians tell us that the people stood and listened attentively and began to weep as they realized that what they were hearing were the very words of God. The reading of the Law on October 8, 445 B.C. was a turning point in the history of Israel. Until that day, the people's lives centered around the the temple. On this day they became a people whose religious life centered on a book - God's book.
The next day, October 9th, family leaders, priests and Levites met with Ezra to go over the Law in greater detail. Their detailed study led them to celebrat the Feast of Tabernacles again, and more importantly, it led them to celebrate again the Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur on October 17th.
I have been reading through the Bible this year with the God Sightings version. I cannot tell you how many times God's word has given me a thought or promise to live by for the day. Sometimes it is a nugget of enlightenment that brings such joy and peace to my spirit. I can't imagine an entire city being so moved by God's Word that they wept as one and vowed to live by His law. What an incredible event.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Fond Memories
As I get older, I discover that I remember specific incidents less and less. I'm not totally sure why that is. I wonder if our brain's "memory hard drive" gets too full and gets selective about what it remembers. It would be nice if we got a "memory almost full" message so we could purge memories that were not as significant as others. Some memories are so special that we remember them over and over, and tell the stories to the same people more than once.
For instance, my dad has some wonderful stories of growing up in Colorado. He lived there at a time when there was abundant game and fish every time he and his adult relatives went into the woods. I have heard some of his fishing stories more than once, and I have enjoyed them every time. I suspect that it doesn't occur to him that he has told the stories before because they are still so vivid in his mind. Each time he tells the story, it's as if the memory has just come to him. I find that there are memories that I recall just like that. Memories that are so vivid that I can recall almost even the most insignificant detail. Then Kathy will ask me, "do you remember...", and I have no clue what she is talking about. Don't tell her, but sometimes when I'm nodding yes and smiling as she talks, I have no memory whatsoever of the event she is recalling in "vivid color."
One of those memories for me is a vacation we took to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina in the mid 80s. We were both working on the staff of The PTL Television Network and I was on the ministerial staff of Heritage Village Church. Jason, Aimee, Josh and I were fishing on the pier at Myrtle Beach and having a great time. Josh was 3 or 4 and more interested in what was on the pier than in fishing. We had bought him a little Snoopy pole and I had baited it and propped it up on the pier railing so I could see it if a fish started biting. Well, a fish did bite, in fact, it bit so hard it pulled the pole right off the pier into the ocean. "Splash", "what was that", "oh no, Josh's pole is in the water". And that was that. Once we got Josh calmed down with promises of buying another pole, we went back to fishing with the poles we had left. About a half hour later, I got a pretty good bite on my pole, set the hook and started bringing in the fish. As the line started to come in I couldn't believe what I was seeing come out of the water. My hook had hooked Josh's Snoopy pole. I carefully pulled it in, and then let Josh reel in the fish that his pole had hooked and was still securely there. We kept that pole for a long time, well after the time Josh graduated to a larger fishing pole. Finally, in one of our moves, the Snoopy pole didn't make it. That's okay, the memory is firmly embedded in my memory. I suppose I have told the story to someone more than once. But that's okay, older guys can get away with that.
If you know me very well, you know I love Christmas stories. I collect them, tell them and live them. I love story tellers and try my best to be a good one. Stories relate life, and love, and the good things about us. Relish your memories and tell the stories, even if you tell them more than once to the same person.
For instance, my dad has some wonderful stories of growing up in Colorado. He lived there at a time when there was abundant game and fish every time he and his adult relatives went into the woods. I have heard some of his fishing stories more than once, and I have enjoyed them every time. I suspect that it doesn't occur to him that he has told the stories before because they are still so vivid in his mind. Each time he tells the story, it's as if the memory has just come to him. I find that there are memories that I recall just like that. Memories that are so vivid that I can recall almost even the most insignificant detail. Then Kathy will ask me, "do you remember...", and I have no clue what she is talking about. Don't tell her, but sometimes when I'm nodding yes and smiling as she talks, I have no memory whatsoever of the event she is recalling in "vivid color."
One of those memories for me is a vacation we took to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina in the mid 80s. We were both working on the staff of The PTL Television Network and I was on the ministerial staff of Heritage Village Church. Jason, Aimee, Josh and I were fishing on the pier at Myrtle Beach and having a great time. Josh was 3 or 4 and more interested in what was on the pier than in fishing. We had bought him a little Snoopy pole and I had baited it and propped it up on the pier railing so I could see it if a fish started biting. Well, a fish did bite, in fact, it bit so hard it pulled the pole right off the pier into the ocean. "Splash", "what was that", "oh no, Josh's pole is in the water". And that was that. Once we got Josh calmed down with promises of buying another pole, we went back to fishing with the poles we had left. About a half hour later, I got a pretty good bite on my pole, set the hook and started bringing in the fish. As the line started to come in I couldn't believe what I was seeing come out of the water. My hook had hooked Josh's Snoopy pole. I carefully pulled it in, and then let Josh reel in the fish that his pole had hooked and was still securely there. We kept that pole for a long time, well after the time Josh graduated to a larger fishing pole. Finally, in one of our moves, the Snoopy pole didn't make it. That's okay, the memory is firmly embedded in my memory. I suppose I have told the story to someone more than once. But that's okay, older guys can get away with that.
If you know me very well, you know I love Christmas stories. I collect them, tell them and live them. I love story tellers and try my best to be a good one. Stories relate life, and love, and the good things about us. Relish your memories and tell the stories, even if you tell them more than once to the same person.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
It's Almost Time For "The Smell"
There are some things that are distinct to every season. When spring arrives, winter clothes go in the closet, lawn tools get tuned up, and your yard get spruced up for the growing season. Each season has its own routine. My favorite season is spring, probably because I love to watch the bleakness of winter wake up. I enjoy seeing buds on the trees, the beginnings of growth on all kinds of bushes, and the first green shoots that come from bulbs that have been dormant all winter. Some of the first signs of life are the various flowering trees. We have a large Bradford Pear tree in our front yard that is covered in beautiful white blooms. I love spring.
There is one part of Fall, however, that I really enjoy. Fall comes, as you know, at the perfect time. It seems like just when you can't take one more hot, humid day, the temperature starts to change. In St. Louis, there is a period of time that our air conditioner is turned off, and the heater is not needed. Not only does it help our utility bill for a few days, it is a great time of year from a temperature standpoint. Not too hot, not too cold, just right. Then comes that one night, or early morning when the heater comes on. I love the smell of the first time the heater goes on! It is a great smell. It says winter is coming, it says it is time to snuggle under a warm blanket, it says its time to make sure the firewood is dry and the kindling is ready. The sad part of it, however, is that it only happens once. You can't duplicate it because when all the dust, spider webs and other stuff in your heater ducts gets burned up by the heater flames, the smell is gone. I think if someone would bottle it up and put it in a spray can, it would sell. I know I would buy some. There is one thing I make sure of when it is time to turn the heater on. I never light the pilot light before I go to bed. It would be a sad Fall if the heater came on at night and everyone was asleep and missed "The Smell." Tonight is is supposed to get down to 38 degrees. With it that cold, we may a little heat in the morning. Can't wait, maybe we'll enjoy "The Smell" tomorrow...
There is one part of Fall, however, that I really enjoy. Fall comes, as you know, at the perfect time. It seems like just when you can't take one more hot, humid day, the temperature starts to change. In St. Louis, there is a period of time that our air conditioner is turned off, and the heater is not needed. Not only does it help our utility bill for a few days, it is a great time of year from a temperature standpoint. Not too hot, not too cold, just right. Then comes that one night, or early morning when the heater comes on. I love the smell of the first time the heater goes on! It is a great smell. It says winter is coming, it says it is time to snuggle under a warm blanket, it says its time to make sure the firewood is dry and the kindling is ready. The sad part of it, however, is that it only happens once. You can't duplicate it because when all the dust, spider webs and other stuff in your heater ducts gets burned up by the heater flames, the smell is gone. I think if someone would bottle it up and put it in a spray can, it would sell. I know I would buy some. There is one thing I make sure of when it is time to turn the heater on. I never light the pilot light before I go to bed. It would be a sad Fall if the heater came on at night and everyone was asleep and missed "The Smell." Tonight is is supposed to get down to 38 degrees. With it that cold, we may a little heat in the morning. Can't wait, maybe we'll enjoy "The Smell" tomorrow...
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Could There Be Life On Planet Gliese 581g?
Astronomers say they have spotted, for the first time, a planet beyond our own in what is sometimes called the Goldilocks zone for life: Not too hot, not too cold. Just right. This new planet sits smack in the middle of what astronomers refer to as the habitable zone, unlike any of the nearly 500 other planets astronomers have found outside our solar system. And, it is in our galactic neighborhood, suggesting that plenty of Earth-like planets circle other stars.
There are a lot of unanswered questions about this strange planet. It is about three times the mass of Earth, slightly larger in width and much closer to its star - 14 million miles away versus our 93 million. It's so close to its version of the sun that it orbits every 37 days. And it doesn't rotate much, so one side is almost always bright, the other dark. Temperatures can be as hot as 160 degrees or as frigid as 25 degrees below zero, but in between - in the land of constant sunrise - it would be "shirt-sleeve weather." It is unknown whether water actually exists on the planet, and what kind of atmosphere it has. But because conditions are ideal for liquid water, and because there always seems to be life on Earth where there is water, astronomer Steven Vogt of the University of California at Santa Cruz believes "that chances for life on this planet are 100 percent."
The only problem with all of this is that the planet is 120 trillion miles away, so it would take several generations for a spaceship to get there. However, while this seems like a long distance, in the scheme of the vast universe, this planet is "like right in our face, right next door to us," astronomer Vogt said in an interview.
Hebrews 11:3 tells us: By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. Ephesians 4:10 says: He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe. Many verses in the Bible tell us about a Creator unlimited by time or space. We cannot even comprehend distances like 120 trillion miles. Somehow that doesn't seem to me to be "right in our face, right next door to us." Last summer we drove out to the West Coast and back to St. Louis, about 8,500 miles, and we were totally exhausted. The incredible thing about this is that the God who created the universe, who I am sure, delights in us finding things like new planets, is the same God who knows me intimately. The Bible tells me that he knows things about me that I do not even know. Have you ever tried to count the number of hairs on your head? Once again, science, and specifically astronomy, have blown me away with the vastness of God, and yet He knows and loves me, me. Wow...
There are a lot of unanswered questions about this strange planet. It is about three times the mass of Earth, slightly larger in width and much closer to its star - 14 million miles away versus our 93 million. It's so close to its version of the sun that it orbits every 37 days. And it doesn't rotate much, so one side is almost always bright, the other dark. Temperatures can be as hot as 160 degrees or as frigid as 25 degrees below zero, but in between - in the land of constant sunrise - it would be "shirt-sleeve weather." It is unknown whether water actually exists on the planet, and what kind of atmosphere it has. But because conditions are ideal for liquid water, and because there always seems to be life on Earth where there is water, astronomer Steven Vogt of the University of California at Santa Cruz believes "that chances for life on this planet are 100 percent."
The only problem with all of this is that the planet is 120 trillion miles away, so it would take several generations for a spaceship to get there. However, while this seems like a long distance, in the scheme of the vast universe, this planet is "like right in our face, right next door to us," astronomer Vogt said in an interview.
Hebrews 11:3 tells us: By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. Ephesians 4:10 says: He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe. Many verses in the Bible tell us about a Creator unlimited by time or space. We cannot even comprehend distances like 120 trillion miles. Somehow that doesn't seem to me to be "right in our face, right next door to us." Last summer we drove out to the West Coast and back to St. Louis, about 8,500 miles, and we were totally exhausted. The incredible thing about this is that the God who created the universe, who I am sure, delights in us finding things like new planets, is the same God who knows me intimately. The Bible tells me that he knows things about me that I do not even know. Have you ever tried to count the number of hairs on your head? Once again, science, and specifically astronomy, have blown me away with the vastness of God, and yet He knows and loves me, me. Wow...
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Some Thoughts About Judas and Remorse
I had an interesting conversation with Nicole, our 18 year old first year college student, recently. She is writing a script for our youth human video team. Part of the script deals with Judas, the disciple that betrayed Jesus. She said that basically what she has been taught is that Judas was a greedy person who probably didn't believe in Jesus from the start and only followed Him for what he could get personally. In the script she is writing, she was wondering if there was more to the story, did he feel any remorse, and will Judas be in Heaven? I gave her a couple of things to think about regarding what the scriptures have to say, particularly in Matthew 26 and 27.
After we ended our conversation, I did some more thinking about Judas and what his motivation was in betraying Jesus, and then his tragic end. The one question Nicole asked, "will Judas be in Heaven?", really got me thinking. It seems like one of the keys to Judas' motivation may be found in the story of the expensive perfume being poured on his head while he was at the home of Simon the Leper in Bethany. Mark says "Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, 'Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year's wages and the money given to the poor'. And they rebuked her harshly." Was Judas among these? Was this a tipping point for Judas? Verse 10 of Mark 14 says, "Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them". The "Then" of this verse comes right after the account of the perfume incident. Interesting thought...
One more thought, why would Judas ask during the Lord's Supper if he was the betrayer unless he thought that Jesus would not know, and not point him out? Would he make himself the deliberate object of scorn in front of his peers? Even after all the miraculous events that Judas had experienced with Jesus, he apparently did not believe that Christ was God, and was all knowing. I think Judas was taken completely by surprise when Jesus said, "Yes, it is you." I believe that Judas' world was turned upside down by that one incident. Now, for the first time, he clearly understood who Christ was, and that he would be "selling Him down the river". I believe that from the time that night that he kissed Christ in the garden to point Him out until the next morning when Judas went to the temple to return the money, he was in the greatest anguish a person could be in. Early the next morning, when he could not resolve the situation, when he couldn't fix it, in desperation he threw the money at the priests and ran out and took his own life.
Will we see Judas in Heaven? As the rope tightened around his neck, did Judas have time to breathe the words, "O God, please forgive me?" What do you think?
After we ended our conversation, I did some more thinking about Judas and what his motivation was in betraying Jesus, and then his tragic end. The one question Nicole asked, "will Judas be in Heaven?", really got me thinking. It seems like one of the keys to Judas' motivation may be found in the story of the expensive perfume being poured on his head while he was at the home of Simon the Leper in Bethany. Mark says "Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, 'Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year's wages and the money given to the poor'. And they rebuked her harshly." Was Judas among these? Was this a tipping point for Judas? Verse 10 of Mark 14 says, "Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them". The "Then" of this verse comes right after the account of the perfume incident. Interesting thought...
One more thought, why would Judas ask during the Lord's Supper if he was the betrayer unless he thought that Jesus would not know, and not point him out? Would he make himself the deliberate object of scorn in front of his peers? Even after all the miraculous events that Judas had experienced with Jesus, he apparently did not believe that Christ was God, and was all knowing. I think Judas was taken completely by surprise when Jesus said, "Yes, it is you." I believe that Judas' world was turned upside down by that one incident. Now, for the first time, he clearly understood who Christ was, and that he would be "selling Him down the river". I believe that from the time that night that he kissed Christ in the garden to point Him out until the next morning when Judas went to the temple to return the money, he was in the greatest anguish a person could be in. Early the next morning, when he could not resolve the situation, when he couldn't fix it, in desperation he threw the money at the priests and ran out and took his own life.
Will we see Judas in Heaven? As the rope tightened around his neck, did Judas have time to breathe the words, "O God, please forgive me?" What do you think?
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
The Solitude of Rustling Leaves
I watched part of an infomercial the other day for a yard tool. I'm kind of a tool nerd, so I enjoy hearing about and looking at new tools. This was a 3 in 1 yard blower, vacuum and mulcher. The cool thing about it is that you do not need any attachments. You simply flip a switch and it changes from one function to another. For 3 easy payments of $29.95 plus shipping, it could be all mine. "But wait..." If I called in the next 10 minutes they threw in all kinds of goodies. The main selling point was all the time I was going to save by blowing all the leaves and debris in my yard, all over my yard. With the voice-over trying to compete with the blower, it was a very noisy infomercial. After a few minutes I went back to the football game I was watching.
Today I mowed and raked my yard. I thought briefly about the vacuum/mulcher tool as I raked leaves by hand. Then I thought a little bit about the tool as I swept leaves and cuttings down my sidewalk. It would have saved me a lot of time. However, I enjoyed the quietness and solitude. Since this was the middle of the day on a week day, there was almost no sound in our neighborhood, just the sound of my straw broom on the cement. I needed that solitude today. Kathy and I are wrestling with a very difficult situation with our 16 year old. We are at the point of not knowing what to do. My prayers have been reduced to a simple "help us, O God". In the solitude of sweeping the sidewalk and street, and then looking back at my work and seeing a groomed yard, I felt good about my work, but a lot better in my spirit because I had taken some time to let God's presence touch my life as I worked. I took plenty of pauses as I prayed, thought, pondered and said "help us".
I don't think I'll be ordering the 3 in 1 yard tool. I need more of these moments of solitude. Moments when God knows everything I'm feeling when I can only manage a feeble "help us". Maybe you can breathe a "help them" for us, when you think about it.
Today I mowed and raked my yard. I thought briefly about the vacuum/mulcher tool as I raked leaves by hand. Then I thought a little bit about the tool as I swept leaves and cuttings down my sidewalk. It would have saved me a lot of time. However, I enjoyed the quietness and solitude. Since this was the middle of the day on a week day, there was almost no sound in our neighborhood, just the sound of my straw broom on the cement. I needed that solitude today. Kathy and I are wrestling with a very difficult situation with our 16 year old. We are at the point of not knowing what to do. My prayers have been reduced to a simple "help us, O God". In the solitude of sweeping the sidewalk and street, and then looking back at my work and seeing a groomed yard, I felt good about my work, but a lot better in my spirit because I had taken some time to let God's presence touch my life as I worked. I took plenty of pauses as I prayed, thought, pondered and said "help us".
I don't think I'll be ordering the 3 in 1 yard tool. I need more of these moments of solitude. Moments when God knows everything I'm feeling when I can only manage a feeble "help us". Maybe you can breathe a "help them" for us, when you think about it.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Wonderful Name, Jesus
Yesterday I posted a Facebook status about the Choir rehearsal I had just come from. One of the senior pastors I worked for in Albany, Oregon, Allen "Tex" Groff replied and said in part, "I wish I was there..." His comment to my post reminded me of a wonderful experience we had in Albany one Christmas. First Assembly was a great place to work and to attend. Pastor Groff encouraged creativity in every area of the church, expecially with his staff members. I think every staff member thought he was their biggest fan. He kept a file drawer full of examples of his staff's accomplishments. The way I found out about that file drawer was when one of my original choir songs was published by Manna Music. I took a copy of the published song into one of my meetings with Pastor Groff. After he congratulated me on my accomplishment and looked over the printed copy, he opened the drawer to put the copy away, and explained to me about what was there. The great thing about working for Pastor Groff was that he had been a minister of music, and he was a wonderful musician and lead worshipper. I knew for sure that he was my biggest fan.
Well, on to the Christmas story. For the second half of this year's production we were performing the Rodger Strader musical King of Love. One of the early songs in that musical is Wonderful Name, Jesus. I had asked Pastor Groff to narrate the musical. He had rehearsed on his own and we were putting it all together at the dress rehearsal. Since he had not heard the choir and orchestra rehearse prior to the dress rehearsal, this was his "first listen." The orchestra began the introduction with a gorgeous string introduction and harp gliss. I turned towards Pastor Groff to give him his narration cue. As I raised my baton to cue him, I realized he wasn't looking at me. His face was in his hands and his shoulders were shaking. It was quite obvious that heaven had touched earth at that moment, and he had been swept into God's presence. For a few moments we all rejoiced in God's goodness and the promise of the Redeemer. When Pastor Groff was finally composed enough to say something, he apologized for stopping the rehearsal. Everyone assured him that this was a wonderful moment and there was no apology needed. We went on to finish the rehearsal and performed our musical that year four times to nearly 5,000 guests. Everyone said "this was the best one yet." (they say that every year) However, I think it might have been, because I think that every choir member, every orchestra member, and each technical crew person was touched by God's presence in a special way during that rehearsal. I will never forget this experience. Even now as I write these words, my spirit senses God's presence in a very real way. If you have iTunes loaded on your computer, you can listen to the song that touched us all. http://www.qpg.com/custom/1006077/kol04.mp3
Well, on to the Christmas story. For the second half of this year's production we were performing the Rodger Strader musical King of Love. One of the early songs in that musical is Wonderful Name, Jesus. I had asked Pastor Groff to narrate the musical. He had rehearsed on his own and we were putting it all together at the dress rehearsal. Since he had not heard the choir and orchestra rehearse prior to the dress rehearsal, this was his "first listen." The orchestra began the introduction with a gorgeous string introduction and harp gliss. I turned towards Pastor Groff to give him his narration cue. As I raised my baton to cue him, I realized he wasn't looking at me. His face was in his hands and his shoulders were shaking. It was quite obvious that heaven had touched earth at that moment, and he had been swept into God's presence. For a few moments we all rejoiced in God's goodness and the promise of the Redeemer. When Pastor Groff was finally composed enough to say something, he apologized for stopping the rehearsal. Everyone assured him that this was a wonderful moment and there was no apology needed. We went on to finish the rehearsal and performed our musical that year four times to nearly 5,000 guests. Everyone said "this was the best one yet." (they say that every year) However, I think it might have been, because I think that every choir member, every orchestra member, and each technical crew person was touched by God's presence in a special way during that rehearsal. I will never forget this experience. Even now as I write these words, my spirit senses God's presence in a very real way. If you have iTunes loaded on your computer, you can listen to the song that touched us all. http://www.qpg.com/custom/1006077/kol04.mp3
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
God Leads Us Along
I love hearing the stories of the hymns and songs that we sing. Many are forged out of great sorrow and grief, and many are written out of tremendous joy and rejoicing. George A Young was a preacher who made his living doing carpentry work. He and his wife eventually entered full-time ministry, going from small church to small church in rural areas. Their experiences were many-some good and some heartbreaking. Often those with whom they worked were too poor to help in supplying the needs of the preacher and his wife and family. George and his wife did not waver, saying "God is doing the leading all we have to do is follow. He will not forsake us in time of need and is also very much aware of our situation wherever we are."
After many years, the Youngs were able to scrape enough money together to buy a small lot and George began to build a small home for his family. It took them several years to complete the house. At last the day came, and the Young family moved into their own home, how wonderful it was! Then disaster struck while George and his family were away holding church services. It is thought that someone, not in sympathy with Young and his preaching and not in favor that the likes of him should have a home of his own, set fire to it. When the family returned, their home was a heap of ashes. All that George and his family had sacrificed for and dreamed of was now a memory.
As Mr. Young stood and looked at the ashes, his heart was sad but he found a deep consolation as he remembered the priceless things he possessed which could not be destroyed by fire. Perhaps, like Job, this could be an attack of Satan but he was not alone, for God was aware of it all. In his mind, words began to form -
Tho' sorrows befall us and Satan oppose,
God leads His dear children along.
Some thro' the waters, some thro' the flood,
Some thro' great sorrow, but God gives a song.
In the night season and all the day long.
George A. Young had been given the beginning of a song in his deep night of despair-a song that would lift many burdens and give light and encouragement to untold thousands in the years ahead. Within a few days he had written three other verses and in 1903 God Leads Us Along was first published.
After many years, the Youngs were able to scrape enough money together to buy a small lot and George began to build a small home for his family. It took them several years to complete the house. At last the day came, and the Young family moved into their own home, how wonderful it was! Then disaster struck while George and his family were away holding church services. It is thought that someone, not in sympathy with Young and his preaching and not in favor that the likes of him should have a home of his own, set fire to it. When the family returned, their home was a heap of ashes. All that George and his family had sacrificed for and dreamed of was now a memory.
As Mr. Young stood and looked at the ashes, his heart was sad but he found a deep consolation as he remembered the priceless things he possessed which could not be destroyed by fire. Perhaps, like Job, this could be an attack of Satan but he was not alone, for God was aware of it all. In his mind, words began to form -
Tho' sorrows befall us and Satan oppose,
God leads His dear children along.
Some thro' the waters, some thro' the flood,
Some thro' great sorrow, but God gives a song.
In the night season and all the day long.
George A. Young had been given the beginning of a song in his deep night of despair-a song that would lift many burdens and give light and encouragement to untold thousands in the years ahead. Within a few days he had written three other verses and in 1903 God Leads Us Along was first published.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
That Was Quite A Year Part 2
On one of our trips to Los Angeles for a service at the Shrine Auditorium, I went to the Kuhlman office with Kathy's father to pick up up music for the choir rehearsal that night. I sat out in the reception area while Paul gathered the music. Just as I sat down, Miss Kuhlman and one of assistants came through the door. Paul introduced me. He and Miss Kuhlman's assistant went into another office to get what they needed and Miss Kuhlman sat down and we had the opportunity to talk. I asked her the one question I had wondered about ever since my interest in the miracle healing power of God had gripped me. "How does God heal?" "How do you put yourself in the position for God to work through you so miraculously?" I sat with baited breath, knowing I was going to find out one of the deepest and most hidden secrets of Christian ministry. Her answer was, "I don't know". In my mind I thought, "how can you not know?" We talked some more about the meetings, she was interested in my ministry and my family, and we enjoyed a few more minutes together and we all left the office. The next day, at the service, I had the backstage experience I described yesterday. Then I knew the deepest and most hidden secret of divine healing ministry...total reliance on God's power, resting on a humble servant. I will never forget that year.
Friday, September 17, 2010
That Was Quite A Year
We have a 3 picture frame on our living room wall, near the hall that leads to our bedrooms. I look at those 3 pictures every time I walk down the hall. Tonight, as I paused to look at them more closely, I was reminded of one of the most significant years of Kathy's and my life.
The center picture shows Kathy sitting in a chair, next to her ebony Lyon & Healy A10 harp. She is on a stage, behind is a large organ with the organist sitting on the bench. There are other people on the stage. The bottom picture shows Kathy's harp again with Kathryn Kuhlman standing next to it. The top picture shows Kathy, Kathryn Kuhlman and myself. The middle picture was taken in Las Vegas at one of Kathryn's largest crusades. The other two pictures were taken at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.
The last year of Kathryn Kuhlman's ministry Kathy played several times at the once-a-month Sunday afternoon services at the Shrine Auditorium. Kathy's dad conducted the large choir that sang at the services, as well as the praise & worship. My role was the chief harp mover. At some meetings I sang in the choir, at others I sat in the audience and at a couple I stayed back stage. It was one of those times backstage that I watched something that I will never forget. Miss Kuhlman, as she was called, was pacing back and forth behind the large stage curtain. Each time she turned my way I could hear her say things like, "I can't do this without You", "please let Your Spirit rest on me", "don't let me do anything on my own without Your leading". If you don't know anything about Kathryn Kuhlman, she had a marvelous healing ministry. By the time she was waiting to go out to speak and minister, in each of her meetings, people had already been healed outside the auditorium as they were waiting to get in, people were healed inside the auditorium before the meeting started and all throughout the meeting itself. In fact, she never prayed for anyone for healing. She did not want to take any credit for God's miracle working power. All she really did was interview people who had already been healed. If you only saw her public ministry, you would never know how much she relied on God's leading and presence in her life.
Next time I'll tell you about her Las Vegas crusade and what I experienced there, as well as a visit in her Los Angeles office. She was quite a lady. I think I'll go look at the pictures again. Oh, by the way, my Kathryn was named after Miss Kuhlman. That's a story for another time.
The center picture shows Kathy sitting in a chair, next to her ebony Lyon & Healy A10 harp. She is on a stage, behind is a large organ with the organist sitting on the bench. There are other people on the stage. The bottom picture shows Kathy's harp again with Kathryn Kuhlman standing next to it. The top picture shows Kathy, Kathryn Kuhlman and myself. The middle picture was taken in Las Vegas at one of Kathryn's largest crusades. The other two pictures were taken at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.
The last year of Kathryn Kuhlman's ministry Kathy played several times at the once-a-month Sunday afternoon services at the Shrine Auditorium. Kathy's dad conducted the large choir that sang at the services, as well as the praise & worship. My role was the chief harp mover. At some meetings I sang in the choir, at others I sat in the audience and at a couple I stayed back stage. It was one of those times backstage that I watched something that I will never forget. Miss Kuhlman, as she was called, was pacing back and forth behind the large stage curtain. Each time she turned my way I could hear her say things like, "I can't do this without You", "please let Your Spirit rest on me", "don't let me do anything on my own without Your leading". If you don't know anything about Kathryn Kuhlman, she had a marvelous healing ministry. By the time she was waiting to go out to speak and minister, in each of her meetings, people had already been healed outside the auditorium as they were waiting to get in, people were healed inside the auditorium before the meeting started and all throughout the meeting itself. In fact, she never prayed for anyone for healing. She did not want to take any credit for God's miracle working power. All she really did was interview people who had already been healed. If you only saw her public ministry, you would never know how much she relied on God's leading and presence in her life.
Next time I'll tell you about her Las Vegas crusade and what I experienced there, as well as a visit in her Los Angeles office. She was quite a lady. I think I'll go look at the pictures again. Oh, by the way, my Kathryn was named after Miss Kuhlman. That's a story for another time.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
By 2031 You May Be Able To Go On An Earth Orbiting Sightseeing Tour
Every generation can remember things that were in use at one time, and then gradually were phased out until they only existed in garage sales or museums. In my generation, computers replacing typewriters was a major change. Early in my professional career I became quite adept at using an IBM Selectric typewriter. I took typing in 9th grade and could type quite fast. Later I learned how to change ribbons, change font balls, do minor maintenance and generally became a Selectric "help desk", although that term didn't exist at the time. I still remember buying my first computer. It was at an Office Depot type big box office supply store. My computer with its monochrome monitor and dot matrix printer was huge, slow, and very non-user friendly. But it was incredible... Now, 20 years later, I'm composing this blog post on a computer that doesn't even begin to compare to that first one. I have a flat screen display, 4 gigs of ram, an optical drive and numerous wireless devices. Plus, I'm connected to the world wide web. Things I didn't even dream about when I was using that first computer.
How about the future? What is coming in the next 10, 20, 50 years? A couple of months ago, 40 Japanese scientists came together to map out the things they thought they would develop in the near future. Here are some of them. 2020 - Thin, flexible electronic displays replace newspapers. 2022 - Synthethic blood makes donation unnecessary. 2026 - Domestic humanoids become common. 2028 - Smellovision televisions that produce tastes and smells grace every living room. 2023 - Doctors use medicine to control any cancer. 2033 - Stem-cell techniques can produce artificial organs. 2035 - Commercial flights are 100 percent autopilot. 2040 - Earthlings establish a manned lunar base.
I thought is was interesting that except for dealing with cancer, none of these forecasts dealt with the human condition. Will we find answers for the anger and mistrust that permeates our world? Will a nuclear war have taken place by 2040, crippling the world and diminishing the population? The movie I Am Legend dealt with a world wide virus that wipes out all but a tiny group of people. Could that happen? In Jeremiah 29:11 we find this wonderful promise. For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Regardless of what is on the horizon, both positive and negative, God has a plan for us. Help us, O God, to put our trust in You. Help us to look to You first, to stand on Your promises. Thank You because You know us, love us, and have planned our future.
How about the future? What is coming in the next 10, 20, 50 years? A couple of months ago, 40 Japanese scientists came together to map out the things they thought they would develop in the near future. Here are some of them. 2020 - Thin, flexible electronic displays replace newspapers. 2022 - Synthethic blood makes donation unnecessary. 2026 - Domestic humanoids become common. 2028 - Smellovision televisions that produce tastes and smells grace every living room. 2023 - Doctors use medicine to control any cancer. 2033 - Stem-cell techniques can produce artificial organs. 2035 - Commercial flights are 100 percent autopilot. 2040 - Earthlings establish a manned lunar base.
I thought is was interesting that except for dealing with cancer, none of these forecasts dealt with the human condition. Will we find answers for the anger and mistrust that permeates our world? Will a nuclear war have taken place by 2040, crippling the world and diminishing the population? The movie I Am Legend dealt with a world wide virus that wipes out all but a tiny group of people. Could that happen? In Jeremiah 29:11 we find this wonderful promise. For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Regardless of what is on the horizon, both positive and negative, God has a plan for us. Help us, O God, to put our trust in You. Help us to look to You first, to stand on Your promises. Thank You because You know us, love us, and have planned our future.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Where Are the Leaders?
When it comes right down to it, most of us are followers. We may have a leadership role at work, or in a club, or a church group, and at home, but most of us do not bear the load of "the buck stops here" leadership. For followers, there is a comfort level in knowing that someone else is in charge. That someone else is affirming our work, looking out for us and making decisions that will be good for us.
As I have watched national and international events unfold recently, I have come to the realization that the unrest we feel, the raw nerves that are being set off by talk of racism, extremism and all the other "isms", is coming from a lack of leadership. No one is in charge when it comes to our national and international economy. No one is delivering answers in the escalating racism rhetoric in our country. No one has a handle on immigration. The "burn the Koran, move the mosque" circus is playing to capacity crowds. Everyone has an opinion, but no one seems to have any answers. No one seems to be able to bring anyone together to find solutions. There are no peace makers. News coverage has become combative as the right and left side of the political spectrum take swings at each other. We are less than two months away from the midterm elections and the political climate will continue to heat up. The problem is, however, that while it appears that a majority of Americans are rejecting the direction our President has taken the country in, there doesn't appear to be much of an agenda from the other side to deliver answers to the situation we find ourselves in. How do we create jobs, how do we jump start the housing industry, how do we deal with illegal immigration? What should be our response to the inevitable nuclear weapon development in Iran? Is there a solution to the deteriorating financial markets in Europe? The questions go on and on, and no answers in sight.
We need Godly leaders on every level to step up and lead. Rather than praying for these situations, we should be praying for leaders who are not afraid to lead, regardless of the political fallout. Some of the greatest leaders in the Old Testament were the prophets who spoke the Word of God with boldness, they were used of God in mighty ways, and nations were changed. They weren't the most popular men, and sometimes they had to run for their lives, but when the people got themselves in trouble, they always sought out the "man of God." Oh God, in the midst of this leadership vacuum, would you raise up leaders. Men and women who speak the truth boldly, with authority, and without regard to the political consequences. Father, we need Your wisdom and authority. Help us, O God and may Your name be exalted throughout the world.
As I have watched national and international events unfold recently, I have come to the realization that the unrest we feel, the raw nerves that are being set off by talk of racism, extremism and all the other "isms", is coming from a lack of leadership. No one is in charge when it comes to our national and international economy. No one is delivering answers in the escalating racism rhetoric in our country. No one has a handle on immigration. The "burn the Koran, move the mosque" circus is playing to capacity crowds. Everyone has an opinion, but no one seems to have any answers. No one seems to be able to bring anyone together to find solutions. There are no peace makers. News coverage has become combative as the right and left side of the political spectrum take swings at each other. We are less than two months away from the midterm elections and the political climate will continue to heat up. The problem is, however, that while it appears that a majority of Americans are rejecting the direction our President has taken the country in, there doesn't appear to be much of an agenda from the other side to deliver answers to the situation we find ourselves in. How do we create jobs, how do we jump start the housing industry, how do we deal with illegal immigration? What should be our response to the inevitable nuclear weapon development in Iran? Is there a solution to the deteriorating financial markets in Europe? The questions go on and on, and no answers in sight.
We need Godly leaders on every level to step up and lead. Rather than praying for these situations, we should be praying for leaders who are not afraid to lead, regardless of the political fallout. Some of the greatest leaders in the Old Testament were the prophets who spoke the Word of God with boldness, they were used of God in mighty ways, and nations were changed. They weren't the most popular men, and sometimes they had to run for their lives, but when the people got themselves in trouble, they always sought out the "man of God." Oh God, in the midst of this leadership vacuum, would you raise up leaders. Men and women who speak the truth boldly, with authority, and without regard to the political consequences. Father, we need Your wisdom and authority. Help us, O God and may Your name be exalted throughout the world.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Staying On the Message
In 2010 I have been reading a daily volume titled The One Year Christian History. I have really enjoyed all the stories about Christians and the events that impacted their world. Some of them have been great moments, and some not so good. Today's reading was about Georg Blaurock, a Catholic priest from Chur, Switzerland who was born in 1491. He came to Christ about 1523. In his devotion to personal study of the Bible, he became convinced that baptism was for believers in Christ, not infants. Georg joined a group known as Anabaptists, meaning rebaptizers. In 1525, the Zurich city council warned all parents in Zurich that they must have their children baptized within eight days of their birth or face banishment from Zurich. The Anabaptists decided to fight this edict and so arrests were made and people went to prison and, it appears to me a lot of people got off the message of the Gospel. While still in his 30s, Georg Blaurock, a promising preacher and man of God, was burned at the stake because of his beliefs on baptism. This seems like such a terrible waste of a life, and the issue deviates so far from the core reason that we exist as Christians.
When Christ was praying in the garden of Gethsemane before his arrest and crucifixion, he prayed that the Christians at the time, and all Christians to come, would be one, just like He and the Father are one, so that the world would know that the Father had sent Him. In other words, that love would be the prevailing characteristic of the people of God, so that a watching world would have tangible evidence of a loving God who is manifested through the lives of His children. Our message must be that the love of God has been freely given to us and that He forgives our sins and reconciles us to himself.
This morning on the news I heard this: "In protest of what it calls a religion "of the devil," a nondenominational church in Gainesville, Florida, plans to host an "International Burn a Quran Day" on the ninth anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks. The Dove World Outreach Center says it is hosting the event to remember 9/11 victims and take a stand against Islam. With promotions on its website and Facebook page, it invites Christians to burn the Muslim holy book at the church from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m."
If this takes place, how will this church ever minister to Muslims who are seeking after Christ? How will this affect the Muslim view of Christianity? What this misguided event will do is to provoke other Christians to condemn this church, Muslims will condemn this church, and the Gospel will be the loser. We are living in difficult times and the church of Jesus Christ must stay on the message. He is our Redeemer, our Savior, and He wants to draw all people to Himself. We must love people into the kingdom, not condemn them. Oh God, help us to listen to Your voice, to do the things You have asked us to do. May Your will be done in our lives.
When Christ was praying in the garden of Gethsemane before his arrest and crucifixion, he prayed that the Christians at the time, and all Christians to come, would be one, just like He and the Father are one, so that the world would know that the Father had sent Him. In other words, that love would be the prevailing characteristic of the people of God, so that a watching world would have tangible evidence of a loving God who is manifested through the lives of His children. Our message must be that the love of God has been freely given to us and that He forgives our sins and reconciles us to himself.
This morning on the news I heard this: "In protest of what it calls a religion "of the devil," a nondenominational church in Gainesville, Florida, plans to host an "International Burn a Quran Day" on the ninth anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks. The Dove World Outreach Center says it is hosting the event to remember 9/11 victims and take a stand against Islam. With promotions on its website and Facebook page, it invites Christians to burn the Muslim holy book at the church from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m."
If this takes place, how will this church ever minister to Muslims who are seeking after Christ? How will this affect the Muslim view of Christianity? What this misguided event will do is to provoke other Christians to condemn this church, Muslims will condemn this church, and the Gospel will be the loser. We are living in difficult times and the church of Jesus Christ must stay on the message. He is our Redeemer, our Savior, and He wants to draw all people to Himself. We must love people into the kingdom, not condemn them. Oh God, help us to listen to Your voice, to do the things You have asked us to do. May Your will be done in our lives.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
So Long, Spudley
Fifteen years ago we added a new member to our family. Our good friend, Ron, owned a pet store in Grand Junction, Colorado. He was a member of our church and lived across the street from us. One day he came over and said that a breeder he worked with had a Pekingese puppy that he would give away. While this puppy had a great bloodline, his plumbing didn't form properly and he would never be able to breed. With all our kids jumping up and down saying "yes, we'll take him", how could Kathy and I say no. So a brand new puppy joined our full house. The first job was to name him. Both our boys were basketball players and they decided that our new puppy resembled a short player in the NBA, Spud Webb. Somehow I suspect that if Spud Webb had known that a new Pekingese puppy had been named for him, he would have doubted it was a compliment. But after a lot of names and input from everyone in the family, the name Spud stuck. Somewhere along the line, he also became know as Spudley. Spud lived with us in Grand Junction, moved with us to Oklahoma City and then for the past eight years in St. Louis. Spud was a great dog. We had a lot of wonderful years with him. He really became part of our family. Spud loved Josh. Every time Josh came over Spud acted like a puppy again. He loved to have Josh hold him. One time when we were Skyping with Josh and Kelly from South Africa, Spud heard Josh's voice and started to respond as if Josh was in the room.
Earlier this year we became aware of the fact the Spud was slowing down. He still came to the door to greet us when we came home, but a lot slower. I even think his tail wagged slower. In the last two weeks he really slowed down. He didn't even want to go outside. He ate very little. On Monday it was apparent that he really wasn't doing good. We decided Tuesday evening that Spudley needed to see a vet. On Wednesday morning, before we could get him to a vet, he breathed his last breath. He was on Kathy's and my bed, he had been there since Monday. Kathy left the room briefly to do something in another part of the house and when she came back, Spud was gone. Today we dug a deep hole in our yard and laid him to rest. Shawn helped me dig. Shawn took Spuds passing really hard. Spud slept in Shawn's room a lot. Shawn is going to miss his buddy.
I'm not the greatest pet person. I suppose I could have gone my entire life without having a dog. But I'm glad Spud was part of our lives. We'll really miss him. I wonder if we'll see Spud again. Last night a friend told me that he was positive that pets would be in heaven. I guess we'll see. For now, we have pictures and memories of Spud, and that is enough.
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