Christmas music is timeless. Except for patriotic music, most other styles of music lose their impact as time goes by. If you look at top 100 charts from each decade, each chart is different. None of the music of one decade stays popular into the next decade. Last Sunday on our drive home from celebrating Thanksgiving in North Carolina, Kathy and I listened to some of our favorite Christmas music. Here is some of mine:
The Many Moods of Christmas - Robert Shaw with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra & Chorus
Handel's Messiah - the Christmas portion
An Evening In December - incredible a capella music from the 80s
Christmas with the Annie Moses Band - wonderful young musicians
Jingle All the Way - Bela Fleck & the Flecktones - use a mixture of bluegrass, fusion of jazz, or anything else that catches their interest.
Il Divo - The Christmas Collection - an incredible men's quartet
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel - Jay Rouse's wonderful arrangement for cello, piano & choir
Noel - Josh Groban - last year we performed Silent Night from this album - one of the best arrangements of this classic carol.
Christmas Colours - Maranatha Music - wonderful light jazz
Michael W. Smith - Christmas - one of the best
If On A Winter's Night - Sting
The Preacher's Wife soundtrack featuring Whitney Houston
The Wind Machine, a New Age bluegrass group - they have 2 Christmas recordings
The Christmas Album - David Foster, with a lot of wonderful artists
Anything from Mannheim Steamroller
As a musician, I have had the privilege of playing a lot of great Christmas music. Both in public settings as well as just for myself. I think being a musician gives you a greater appreciation for other musician's work. I will try and listen to at least a portion of each of the works from my list this year. If you are looking for some new Christmas music, go to iTunes and listen to samples of some of these albums. Merry Christmas.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
It Was Hard To Drive Away
This past week we drove to Youngsville, North Carolina (Raleigh-Durham), to spend Thanksgiving with my parents and my sister and brother-in-law. We had great trips both going and coming. Our 3 teenagers even got along, for the most part.
My dad is 92 years old, very hard of hearing and getting very feeble. While it was a joy to be with him, it is hard to hold much of a conversation. One evening, however, all of us, together, spent some time in his bedroom. It was a fun, reminiscing time, and I'm glad that our children had a chance to spend the time with their grandfather. It was great to look at old photos and think about different times.
My mother is a saint. She, along with my brother-in-law, Terry, are the primary care givers for my dad. He needs almost everything done for him. On Friday night, he slipped out of his wheel chair on the way to the bathroom and I had to help my mom pick him up. She doesn't have enough strength to do what she does, but she does it anyway. I have never heard her complain about having to take care of my dad. Hospice care is involved now, and it is a tremendous help. Terry and Lila are incredible. There care for my dad is amazing.
My sister, Lila, and mom cooked a wonderful Thanksgiving meal. My sister is a vegan, and fixed several vegan dishes. The vegan turkey and stuffing was pretty good. We all enjoyed trying the various dishes and enjoyed all the traditional Thanksgiving food. It was good to have my dad at the table. Earlier in the week he was too weak to get out of bed. Later, my mom had to give him some morphine to help with extreme pain. He is struggling with congestive heart failure and it's starting to get the best of him.
On Friday we toured historical Wake Forrest and drove into Raleigh. We had a great time sightseeing.
On Saturday afternoon we said our goodbyes. I was emotionally overwhelmed as I said goodbye to my dad. I think I knew deep in my heart that this was my last goodbye before we see each other in heaven. For many miles I reminisced about my dad, the things he taught me, and the things I learned by just observing his life. You don't get parents any better than mine. This time together just reinforced that for me. On 6/18/2008 I wrote a blog titled Don't Forget To Sweep the Street. This was my dad at his best. It's worth searching for and reading.
My dad is 92 years old, very hard of hearing and getting very feeble. While it was a joy to be with him, it is hard to hold much of a conversation. One evening, however, all of us, together, spent some time in his bedroom. It was a fun, reminiscing time, and I'm glad that our children had a chance to spend the time with their grandfather. It was great to look at old photos and think about different times.
My mother is a saint. She, along with my brother-in-law, Terry, are the primary care givers for my dad. He needs almost everything done for him. On Friday night, he slipped out of his wheel chair on the way to the bathroom and I had to help my mom pick him up. She doesn't have enough strength to do what she does, but she does it anyway. I have never heard her complain about having to take care of my dad. Hospice care is involved now, and it is a tremendous help. Terry and Lila are incredible. There care for my dad is amazing.
My sister, Lila, and mom cooked a wonderful Thanksgiving meal. My sister is a vegan, and fixed several vegan dishes. The vegan turkey and stuffing was pretty good. We all enjoyed trying the various dishes and enjoyed all the traditional Thanksgiving food. It was good to have my dad at the table. Earlier in the week he was too weak to get out of bed. Later, my mom had to give him some morphine to help with extreme pain. He is struggling with congestive heart failure and it's starting to get the best of him.
On Friday we toured historical Wake Forrest and drove into Raleigh. We had a great time sightseeing.
On Saturday afternoon we said our goodbyes. I was emotionally overwhelmed as I said goodbye to my dad. I think I knew deep in my heart that this was my last goodbye before we see each other in heaven. For many miles I reminisced about my dad, the things he taught me, and the things I learned by just observing his life. You don't get parents any better than mine. This time together just reinforced that for me. On 6/18/2008 I wrote a blog titled Don't Forget To Sweep the Street. This was my dad at his best. It's worth searching for and reading.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Great Friends Are A Gift
For the past 5 months our lives have been turned upside down. After 36 years of continuous church ministry, I have been out of work for these 5 months. Our kids are in limbo, not knowing where we will finally land. We have lost our church family and many of the activities and events we would have been part of are no longer available to us. For the past 6 weeks we have not had any income, which adds to the feeling of being turned upside down. That's the bad news. Now for the good news.
Most Sundays we have attended a Lutheran church with 2 of our best friends. This is a wonderful church and we have been blessed, not only to attend, but to attend with our good friends. These are friends who love us and have helped us tremendously for the past months. Yesterday we attended a church in Wentzville with 8 of our friends. Not only did we experience a wonderful service, it was great to be with friends. We hadn't seen some of these folks since our departure from West County Assembly of God 5 months ago, so we had the opportunity to "catch up." At lunch with 4 wonderful friends, we laughed, had great conversation, and they helped Kathy and I talk through some issues relating to our house and inevitable move out of the St. Louis area. When we got home yesterday afternoon, Kathy and I felt so refreshed. Our outlook, for the most part, has been very positive, but there have also been some frustrating and discouraging times. To spend time with good friends yesterday is a blessing from God.
Other friends have blessed us as well. We've had groceries delivered, we've been taken to Sam's, twice, to "stock up." We have received many cards and notes, most with a check or cash. A friend took me to a men's breakfast and then filled my van's tank on the way home. One of our best friends was instrumental in having Starbridge Christian Center set up a special fund for us to help pay for our health insurance. West County Christian Academy blessed us with a pile of gift cards and a check. We used gift cards for groceries for weeks with all the cards they blessed us with. Kathy and I have both been invited to breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. We've had many phone calls that have been so encouraging. While I could have never imagined that we would be in this precarious financial situation, God has used our friends to bless us. We will never forget this. While we do not have a firm job offer yet, we have 2, and perhaps 3 possibilities, that should have us in a new job by January 2nd. Kathy and I have always known that God took care of His own. To experience it first hand, primarily through our friends, has been nothing short of miraculous. God is so good...
Most Sundays we have attended a Lutheran church with 2 of our best friends. This is a wonderful church and we have been blessed, not only to attend, but to attend with our good friends. These are friends who love us and have helped us tremendously for the past months. Yesterday we attended a church in Wentzville with 8 of our friends. Not only did we experience a wonderful service, it was great to be with friends. We hadn't seen some of these folks since our departure from West County Assembly of God 5 months ago, so we had the opportunity to "catch up." At lunch with 4 wonderful friends, we laughed, had great conversation, and they helped Kathy and I talk through some issues relating to our house and inevitable move out of the St. Louis area. When we got home yesterday afternoon, Kathy and I felt so refreshed. Our outlook, for the most part, has been very positive, but there have also been some frustrating and discouraging times. To spend time with good friends yesterday is a blessing from God.
Other friends have blessed us as well. We've had groceries delivered, we've been taken to Sam's, twice, to "stock up." We have received many cards and notes, most with a check or cash. A friend took me to a men's breakfast and then filled my van's tank on the way home. One of our best friends was instrumental in having Starbridge Christian Center set up a special fund for us to help pay for our health insurance. West County Christian Academy blessed us with a pile of gift cards and a check. We used gift cards for groceries for weeks with all the cards they blessed us with. Kathy and I have both been invited to breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. We've had many phone calls that have been so encouraging. While I could have never imagined that we would be in this precarious financial situation, God has used our friends to bless us. We will never forget this. While we do not have a firm job offer yet, we have 2, and perhaps 3 possibilities, that should have us in a new job by January 2nd. Kathy and I have always known that God took care of His own. To experience it first hand, primarily through our friends, has been nothing short of miraculous. God is so good...
Saturday, November 19, 2011
The Final Week - The Resurrection
My daily read-through-the-Bible-in-a-year passage ended today's reading with the Gospels account of Christ's resurrection and ascension. As I have mentioned in my previous blogs about The Final Week, I have learned so much from this reading. It is always amazing to me that brand new truth emerges from passages that you have read countless times before.
In today's reading, something jumped out at me. I think it may have been because for the past several months I have been desperately seeking the will of God. There have been times in my prayer times where I wished Christ would sit in the love seat across the room from my favorite chair and simply talk with me. While I have sensed God's presence many times in these past weeks, it would be incredible to look in His face and hear His audible voice. There is an account of that right after the resurrection.
Matthew and Luke tell about Cleopas and an unidentified man traveling on the road to Emmaus. Christ joins them in the journey. He asks them what they have been discussing and they tell Him about the events of the past few days. Luke 24:17-19 He asked, "What's this you're discussing so intently as you walk along?" They just stood there, long-faced, like they had lost their best friend. 18 Then one of them, his name was Cleopas, said, "Are you the only one in Jerusalem who hasn't heard what's happened during the last few days?" 19 He said, "What has happened?" (from THE MESSAGE) What a great sense of humor. Here he is the main character of all the events and He's asking "what has happened?" He goes on to say, Luke 24:25-27 "So thick-headed! So slow-hearted! Why can't you simply believe all that the prophets said? 26 Don't you see that these things had to happen, that the Messiah had to suffer and only then enter into his glory?" 27 Then he started at the beginning, with the Books of Moses, and went on through all the Prophets, pointing out everything in the Scriptures that referred to him. (from THE MESSAGE, emphasis mine)
What an incredible experience for these two men. Jesus starts at the beginning of the Word, goes all the way through the Prophets, and points out every prophecy that referred to Him. I think any of us would have paid a lot of money to have that kind of class with the Master. So when I pray, and think about Jesus sitting on our love seat, this is the kind of experience I had in mind. Wow.
In today's reading, something jumped out at me. I think it may have been because for the past several months I have been desperately seeking the will of God. There have been times in my prayer times where I wished Christ would sit in the love seat across the room from my favorite chair and simply talk with me. While I have sensed God's presence many times in these past weeks, it would be incredible to look in His face and hear His audible voice. There is an account of that right after the resurrection.
Matthew and Luke tell about Cleopas and an unidentified man traveling on the road to Emmaus. Christ joins them in the journey. He asks them what they have been discussing and they tell Him about the events of the past few days. Luke 24:17-19 He asked, "What's this you're discussing so intently as you walk along?" They just stood there, long-faced, like they had lost their best friend. 18 Then one of them, his name was Cleopas, said, "Are you the only one in Jerusalem who hasn't heard what's happened during the last few days?" 19 He said, "What has happened?" (from THE MESSAGE) What a great sense of humor. Here he is the main character of all the events and He's asking "what has happened?" He goes on to say, Luke 24:25-27 "So thick-headed! So slow-hearted! Why can't you simply believe all that the prophets said? 26 Don't you see that these things had to happen, that the Messiah had to suffer and only then enter into his glory?" 27 Then he started at the beginning, with the Books of Moses, and went on through all the Prophets, pointing out everything in the Scriptures that referred to him. (from THE MESSAGE, emphasis mine)
What an incredible experience for these two men. Jesus starts at the beginning of the Word, goes all the way through the Prophets, and points out every prophecy that referred to Him. I think any of us would have paid a lot of money to have that kind of class with the Master. So when I pray, and think about Jesus sitting on our love seat, this is the kind of experience I had in mind. Wow.
Friday, November 18, 2011
The Final Week - Wednesday & Thursday
Traditionally, we celebrate Good Friday on the Friday before Easter Sunday. (duh) However, there is compelling Biblical evidence that Christ celebrated the Last Supper on Wednesday evening, was betrayed and arrested that same evening and then crucified on Thursday. Since this was the time of celebrating Passover, there has been an assumption that Jesus and the disciples celebrated the Passover on Friday. While I do not have enough room to go into a detailed explanation, basically, you have to have an understanding of the Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and the way in which the Jews reckon time. For instance, the Jewish day begins at sunset on the previous evening. This means, for example, that our Wednesday night is actually Thursday, and our Thursday night is actually Friday. If Christ is placed in the tomb on Thursday afternoon, He is there for three days, which lines up with the scriptural accounts.
Confused? Matthew, Mark and Luke record the disciples' preparation for the Passover on the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. While the disciples assume they are preparing for the Passover meal, and that it will be held in two days, the meal we traditionally call the Last Supper was actually held on the day before the Passover, known as the Day of Preparation.
One of the most moving reasons for moving away from the traditional time frame is seeing how Jesus' crucifixion becomes the perfect type of the Passover Lamb. Under Hebrew law, the paschal (Passover) lamb is chosen on the tenth day and then kept up until the 14th day, when it is sacrificed for the sins of the people. If you count the days of the Jewish calendar, Christ was crucified on the Day of Preparation, the same day the sacrificial lamb was sacrificed for the Passover meal. Throughout the account of Wednesday and Thursday, more very specific prophecies as revealed in Isaiah 6 and 53, Psalm 41, and Zachariah 13 come to pass. The entire account of this week is an amazing one, full of revelation about Christ's sacrifice for us. Even though I've read these passages many times, I am learning so much this time. PTL
Confused? Matthew, Mark and Luke record the disciples' preparation for the Passover on the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. While the disciples assume they are preparing for the Passover meal, and that it will be held in two days, the meal we traditionally call the Last Supper was actually held on the day before the Passover, known as the Day of Preparation.
One of the most moving reasons for moving away from the traditional time frame is seeing how Jesus' crucifixion becomes the perfect type of the Passover Lamb. Under Hebrew law, the paschal (Passover) lamb is chosen on the tenth day and then kept up until the 14th day, when it is sacrificed for the sins of the people. If you count the days of the Jewish calendar, Christ was crucified on the Day of Preparation, the same day the sacrificial lamb was sacrificed for the Passover meal. Throughout the account of Wednesday and Thursday, more very specific prophecies as revealed in Isaiah 6 and 53, Psalm 41, and Zachariah 13 come to pass. The entire account of this week is an amazing one, full of revelation about Christ's sacrifice for us. Even though I've read these passages many times, I am learning so much this time. PTL
Sunday, November 13, 2011
The Final Week-Tuesday Morning
On Tuesday morning of Christ's final week before the crucifixion and resurrection, He is asked a question about the temple. Jesus begins a discourse on the end times that we find in Matthew 24 and 25. In chapter 25, Christ talks about heaven and our inheritance, and how that inheritance is gained.
31 "When he finally arrives, blazing in beauty and all his angels with him, the Son of Man will take his place on his glorious throne. 32 Then all the nations will be arranged before him and he will sort the people out, much as a shepherd sorts out sheep and goats, 33 putting sheep to his right and goats to his left. 34 "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what's coming to you in this kingdom (your inheritance). It's been ready for you since the world's foundation. 35 And here's why:
I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink,
I was homeless and you gave me a room, 36 I was shivering and you gave me clothes,
I was sick and you stopped to visit, I was in prison and you came to me.'
37 "Then those 'sheep' are going to say, 'Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? 38-39 And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?' 40 Then the King will say, 'I'm telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me — you did it to me.'
(from THE MESSAGE)
31 "When he finally arrives, blazing in beauty and all his angels with him, the Son of Man will take his place on his glorious throne. 32 Then all the nations will be arranged before him and he will sort the people out, much as a shepherd sorts out sheep and goats, 33 putting sheep to his right and goats to his left. 34 "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what's coming to you in this kingdom (your inheritance). It's been ready for you since the world's foundation. 35 And here's why:
I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink,
I was homeless and you gave me a room, 36 I was shivering and you gave me clothes,
I was sick and you stopped to visit, I was in prison and you came to me.'
37 "Then those 'sheep' are going to say, 'Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? 38-39 And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?' 40 Then the King will say, 'I'm telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me — you did it to me.'
(from THE MESSAGE)
Once again as I read this passage this morning, I was reminded of the over 550,000 children who are in foster care and 127,000 of those children who are waiting to be adopted. Adoption is one of the key elements of our relationship to God. Gal 4:6-7 6 You can tell for sure that you are now fully adopted as his own children because God sent the Spirit of his Son into our lives crying out, "Papa! Father!" 7 Doesn't that privilege of intimate conversation with God make it plain that you are not a slave, but a child? And if you are a child, you're also an heir, with complete access to the inheritance. (from THE MESSAGE, my emphasis)
Foster care and adoption are a wonderful way for us to minister to Jesus. I can tell you from personal experience that foster care and adoption are wonderful ways to serve Christ. They are also, rewarding, frustrating, tiring, fulfilling, and a host of other things. One day the King will say to you, "Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what's coming to you in this kingdom, your inheritance. It's been ready for you since the world's foundation.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
The Final Week-Monday
Mark and Matthew record a couple of events that made a real impact on me as I read through these passages today. Mark records this in chapter 11; 15 On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple area and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, 16 and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. 17 And as he taught them, he said, "Is it not written:
"'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations'? But you have made it 'a den of robbers.'"
18 The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching.
Can you imagine the emotions that Christ is dealing with as he comes into the temple court. I think this was a case of righteous indignation. He physically cleans house. I imagine he was angry, frustrated and determined to make a point. He also fulfilled Isaiah's prophesy in chapter 56:7. Then Matthew records something that is a complete opposite to what has just happened. Matt 21:14 The blind and the lame came to him at the temple, and he healed them. 15 But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple area, "Hosanna to the Son of David," they were indignant. 16 "Do you hear what these children are saying?" they asked him.
"Yes," replied Jesus, "have you never read, "'From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise'?"
Jesus knows he will be crucified by the end of the week. He also knows that His disciples and followers still don't realize that His kingdom will be an eternal, heavenly one, and not an earthly kingdom that will overthrow the Romans. In the midst of these emotions, Jesus takes the time to heal and minister to people. He also takes the time to enjoy the praises of the children who have gathered. When the chief priests and teachers of the law try to rebuke Him, His response is a fulfillment of Psalm 8:2. We need to take our cues from these children, from our lips should come praise. Praise God for Christ's example. What a wonderful account from Monday of the final week.
"'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations'? But you have made it 'a den of robbers.'"
18 The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching.
Can you imagine the emotions that Christ is dealing with as he comes into the temple court. I think this was a case of righteous indignation. He physically cleans house. I imagine he was angry, frustrated and determined to make a point. He also fulfilled Isaiah's prophesy in chapter 56:7. Then Matthew records something that is a complete opposite to what has just happened. Matt 21:14 The blind and the lame came to him at the temple, and he healed them. 15 But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple area, "Hosanna to the Son of David," they were indignant. 16 "Do you hear what these children are saying?" they asked him.
"Yes," replied Jesus, "have you never read, "'From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise'?"
Jesus knows he will be crucified by the end of the week. He also knows that His disciples and followers still don't realize that His kingdom will be an eternal, heavenly one, and not an earthly kingdom that will overthrow the Romans. In the midst of these emotions, Jesus takes the time to heal and minister to people. He also takes the time to enjoy the praises of the children who have gathered. When the chief priests and teachers of the law try to rebuke Him, His response is a fulfillment of Psalm 8:2. We need to take our cues from these children, from our lips should come praise. Praise God for Christ's example. What a wonderful account from Monday of the final week.
The Final Week-The Triumphant Entry
I've been reading through the Bible this year using the Daily Bible
in Chronological Order. It is a great way to read the Bible in
historical sequence. Today begins sections titled Final Week. I noticed something
in the triumphal entry into Jerusalem that I had never considered
before. As Jesus and the disciples approach Jerusalem, he says to them
in Matt 21:1-7; As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage
on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, "Go to
the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with
her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to
you, tell him that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right
away." 4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the
prophet:
5 "Say to the Daughter of Zion,
'See, your king comes to you,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey.'"
6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. 7 They
brought the donkey and the colt, placed their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on
them. NIV
First, verse 5 is the fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9. It
never ceases to amaze me how many prophecies were proclaimed about Christ and
his coming to earth, that came to pass. The second item is that just on Jesus'
word, the people that owned the colt let him be taken by the disciples, who
they did not know. The other thing is that this colt had never
been ridden. Have you ever tried to ride a colt or horse that has never
been ridden before? I'm sure we've all seen a movie or video of the
"breaking" process that happens when a horse or donkey is trained to
have a rider. It is not easy, and many people have been hurt trying to do this.
The interesting thing here is that each of the writers say the same thing, they placed their cloaks on
them, and Jesus sat on them. To me, that is quite a miracle. No one had to
break this colt, it simply cooperated with the King of Kings as he prepared to
enter Jerusalem. The entire Final
Week is full of these kind of
events that get lost in the bigger story. This story never gets old. Over and
over again the Word reveals new nuggets of truth that strengthen our
faith and propels us to share this amazing story. Tomorrow, the Final Week-Monday.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Ageism In the Church
In 1968, Pulitzer Prize winning author, gerontologist and psychiatrist, Dr. Robert N. Butler coined the descriptive term, “ageism,” to describe discrimination against older adults (a term consistent in usage with ‘sexism’ or ‘racism’). While the problem continues in the secular world, age discrimination is also tolerated and practiced widely within the Church. This is not only not right, it runs against the grain of biblical scripture. In one of his recent posts on Christians and business, Dan Edelen explains how ageism in business has bled over into the church:
In a recent CASA Network blog, one of the writer's said this in relationship to younger and older pastors; While recently traveling with one denomination’s presbyter in California, he spoke to me of the difficulty leadership is having in connecting young pastors with those older and more experienced. “The younger leaders are not disrespectful,” he said. “They simply don’t want to waste time interacting with leaders they believe have little in common with them and with the way they want to ‘do church.’”
Sadly, in many churches today, "doing church" means excluding or not caring about older parishioners. As an older minister who has spent the past 5 months looking for a new church position, I can tell you that ageism is alive and well in the hiring process. Fortunately, there are still many churches who respect and include their older members in the life of the church. “Even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to all the generations to come” (Psalm 71: 18).
The "old is bad" meme has caught on even within God's Body. Churches preach that your appearance does not matter and that age means nothing--while at the same time they kick out the gray-haired worship pastor in favor of the trendy postmodern guy who loves Coldplay.Sadly, it appears that more and more church leaders are buying into the worldly idea that young people are the only ones that count. Terms like "our target is 20s and 30s", or "our emphasis is young families" are the mottos that drive programming, worship music and sanctuary ambiance. Most churches have been built and supported by the older members of their congregations. When they question the changes that favor only younger people, they are told something like "you've had your day, now it's ours." While that may be true, to a degree, the insensitivity of demanding agreement without question creates a terrible conflict where either the long time member simply stays quiet, and wonders "where their church went?", or they feel like they must leave their longtime church to worship in a more blended congregation.
You can't go a day and not her some radio preacher talking about bringing legal challenges to abortion, gay marriage, or some other pet Evangelical cause. But where was D. James Kennedy when a guy in his fifties got a pink slip in California for being "too old?" Why isn't Jim Wallis camped out in Sacramento protesting? Where's the book by John Maxwell decrying "employment euthanasia" amid all that talk about leadership? . . . .
This is no way to live folks. And the Church's silence is pervasive.
In a recent CASA Network blog, one of the writer's said this in relationship to younger and older pastors; While recently traveling with one denomination’s presbyter in California, he spoke to me of the difficulty leadership is having in connecting young pastors with those older and more experienced. “The younger leaders are not disrespectful,” he said. “They simply don’t want to waste time interacting with leaders they believe have little in common with them and with the way they want to ‘do church.’”
Sadly, in many churches today, "doing church" means excluding or not caring about older parishioners. As an older minister who has spent the past 5 months looking for a new church position, I can tell you that ageism is alive and well in the hiring process. Fortunately, there are still many churches who respect and include their older members in the life of the church. “Even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to all the generations to come” (Psalm 71: 18).
Friday, November 4, 2011
Jesus Is Helping Me
One of my favorite people was Richard Dortch. I first met him while he was the District Superintendent of the Illinois District. Later, he became the vice president of the PTL Television Network. He was responsible for inviting Kathy's family, ourselves included, to join the PTL staff. I worked with Pastor Dortch at the PTL church, Heritage Village Church. He asked me to recruit and develop a choir for the church services. We eventually had a 100+ voice choir that sang for the church services, television broadcasts of the services and seasonal productions. Pastor Dortch had a high stress job as the VP, however, he always was upbeat and had time for everyone that needed to see him. When you asked him how he was doing, he would always say, "Jesus is helping me." I love that phrase and have used it many times.
One of my favorite Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir songs is My Help (Cometh From the Lord).
I will lift up mine eyes to the hills from whence cometh my help,
my help cometh from the Lord, the Lord which made Heaven and Earth.
He said He would not suffer thy foot, thy foot to be moved;
the Lord which keepeth thee, He will not slumber nor sleep.
Oh the Lord is thy keeper, the Lord is thy shade
upon thy right hand, upon thy right hand.
No, the sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night,
He shall preserve thy soul even forever more.
My help, my help, my help, all of my help cometh from the Lord.
These words are straight from Psalm 121. Here are the last two verses:
One of my favorite Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir songs is My Help (Cometh From the Lord).
I will lift up mine eyes to the hills from whence cometh my help,
my help cometh from the Lord, the Lord which made Heaven and Earth.
He said He would not suffer thy foot, thy foot to be moved;
the Lord which keepeth thee, He will not slumber nor sleep.
Oh the Lord is thy keeper, the Lord is thy shade
upon thy right hand, upon thy right hand.
No, the sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night,
He shall preserve thy soul even forever more.
My help, my help, my help, all of my help cometh from the Lord.
These words are straight from Psalm 121. Here are the last two verses:
7 The Lord will keep you from all harm — he will watch over your life; 8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
Regardless of what comes, regardless of what you are facing, the modern day synopsis of Psalm 121 is Jesus Is Helping Me. The next time someone asks you how you are doing, tell them... Jesus is helping me.
Monday, October 31, 2011
If You Are Desperate Today
I love this story because it illustrates how much Christ cares for each of us individually. Matthew, Mark, and Luke each tell this story. Basically, this woman has had a female, hemorrhaging disease for twelve years. She had spent a fortune, actually all she had, and had gotten worse instead of better. Jesus is being followed by a large crowd. He is on his way to heal the daughter of Jairus, a synagogue ruler. This anonymous lady, pushes through the crowd to get close to Jesus. She knows in her heart that if she can just touch His clothes, "I will be healed.". I love how DiCianni portrays her on her hands and knees. She is in the position of surrender, defeat and desperation. The only thing missing from the painting is the huge crowd. As soon as the woman touches the hem of Christ's garment, she is instantly healed. Jesus sensed power leaving Him and asked, "who touched my clothes?" The disciples can't believe He is asking this question because the crowd is pressing Him, jostling Him, this is really a crowd scene. Jesus looks around and finally finds the woman. She falls at His feet and tells Him her story. He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering."
Today you may not need physical healing, but you might need emotion healing. Perhaps you have been caught in the present economic downturn and are desperate for God's provision. Maybe there is a relationship in your family that needs healing, or perhaps you need freedom from fear, bitterness, or anger. You may need deliverance from an addiction. Let this woman be your example, do whatever you need to do to get to Jesus, including crawling on your hands and knees. Touch Him with your prayer, your cries of desperation. He will turn and find you and say "your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering." He will find you, despite the size of the crowd.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
All Things Work For Good
Here is a small portion of Max Lucado's book God's Story Your Story.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
We know…There are so many things we do not know. We do not know if the economy will dip or if our team will win. We do not know what our spouse is thinking or how our kids will turn out. We don’t even know “what we ought to pray” (Rom. 8:26). But according to Paul, we can be absolutely certain about four things. We know…
1. God works. He is busy behind the scenes, above the fray, within the fury. He hasn’t checked out or moved on. He is ceaseless and tireless. He never stops working.
2. God works for the good. Not for our comfort or pleasure or entertainment, but for our ultimate good. Since he is the ultimate good, would we expect anything less?
3. God works for the good of those who love him. Behold the benefit of loving God! Make his story your story, and your story takes on a happy ending. Guaranteed. Being the author of our salvation, he writes a salvation theme into our biography.
4. God works in all things. Panta, in Greek. Like “panoramic” or “panacea” or “pandemic.”All-inclusive. God works, not through a few things or through the good things, best things, or easy things. But in “all things” God works. Puppet in the hands of fortune or fate? Not you. You are in the hands of a living, loving God. Random collection of disconnected short stories? Far from it. Your life is a crafted narrative written by a good God, who is working toward your supreme good.
Kathy had the idea of starting a "Blessing Jar", a place to write and save all of God's blessings as we continue our journey of faith. Yesterday I paid all of our remaining October bills, and had enough money to do that. November will be another story, but I have a real good feeling that God will take of November. One interesting thing is happening with our house. It's been for sale since July. August and September were disasters...5 showings in two months. In the last week and a half, it's been shown 4 times and today we have to leave so it can be shown again. I know that God's timing is His own. He rarely shares it with us. What does this increased activity mean? We'll find out. Perhaps it will be one of the more dynamic "blessings" that we put in our Blessing Jar.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Do-Overs
At times, we all do self evaluations, particularly about the major events in our lives. Sometimes we are tempted to spend time wondering what we would do if we could go back and re-live past events and do them over. Over the past 19 weeks, with a lot of extra time on my hands, I've thought about major events, both good and not so good.
Last week as I was wrestling with our budget, now that my severance pay has ended, I though about the 3 children that have adopted. As I was having a mini pity party, thinking about raising a second set of kids and all the expenses related to that, I thought about the fact that if we had not adopted our kids, we would have had several years as empty nesters. We could have doubled our retirement account and not be as limited as we look for a new ministry position without having to think about 3 teenagers and their needs. As I was thinking about this, I was reminded of a church service we had when Nicole was about 18 months old. The founders of the Royal Family Kids' Camps were our guests and Wayne Tesch was telling the story of one of the foster children that had attended one of the camps. As he described the horrible living situation this little girl lived in, and all of us were feeling so sad for this situation, the Holy Spirit whispered to me, "you rescued Nicole from a fate worse than this." This little 18 month old had already taught me so much about adoption and fatherhood, and this was a great confirmation that we had done the right thing.
In a recent blog, Ronnie Floyd said, Adoption is one of the clearest pictures of the gospel we could ever see. In fact, the doctrine of adoption is the heart of the gospel. We were hopeless and lost, but Jesus brought us into God's family. Our adoption story started in 1980 as foster parents. We fostered children for 20 years. Nicole was our first child that had no where to go. None of her relatives could pass a home study and her birth problems were severe enough to scare away potential adoptive parents. Since she had been our foster daughter for over a year when it was determined her family could not adopt her, we decided to. That was 18 years ago. Nicole is now 19 and a wonderful young lady. Later we brought Sam, 17, and Shawn, 16, into our family.Even though we didn't attach a lot of spiritual emphasis to our decision, James said in his New Testament book, Religion that is pure and undefiled, before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction. Even though raising our adoptive children has been more challenging that our birth children, and there may be more challenges in the future, we wouldn't change a thing.
As I finished what I was doing with our budget, I thought about how blessed we are to have been adoptive parents. God will take care of us all, because He loves these children even more than we do. Do-over? Never. Blessed and contented? Yes.
Last week as I was wrestling with our budget, now that my severance pay has ended, I though about the 3 children that have adopted. As I was having a mini pity party, thinking about raising a second set of kids and all the expenses related to that, I thought about the fact that if we had not adopted our kids, we would have had several years as empty nesters. We could have doubled our retirement account and not be as limited as we look for a new ministry position without having to think about 3 teenagers and their needs. As I was thinking about this, I was reminded of a church service we had when Nicole was about 18 months old. The founders of the Royal Family Kids' Camps were our guests and Wayne Tesch was telling the story of one of the foster children that had attended one of the camps. As he described the horrible living situation this little girl lived in, and all of us were feeling so sad for this situation, the Holy Spirit whispered to me, "you rescued Nicole from a fate worse than this." This little 18 month old had already taught me so much about adoption and fatherhood, and this was a great confirmation that we had done the right thing.
In a recent blog, Ronnie Floyd said, Adoption is one of the clearest pictures of the gospel we could ever see. In fact, the doctrine of adoption is the heart of the gospel. We were hopeless and lost, but Jesus brought us into God's family. Our adoption story started in 1980 as foster parents. We fostered children for 20 years. Nicole was our first child that had no where to go. None of her relatives could pass a home study and her birth problems were severe enough to scare away potential adoptive parents. Since she had been our foster daughter for over a year when it was determined her family could not adopt her, we decided to. That was 18 years ago. Nicole is now 19 and a wonderful young lady. Later we brought Sam, 17, and Shawn, 16, into our family.Even though we didn't attach a lot of spiritual emphasis to our decision, James said in his New Testament book, Religion that is pure and undefiled, before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction. Even though raising our adoptive children has been more challenging that our birth children, and there may be more challenges in the future, we wouldn't change a thing.
As I finished what I was doing with our budget, I thought about how blessed we are to have been adoptive parents. God will take care of us all, because He loves these children even more than we do. Do-over? Never. Blessed and contented? Yes.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Technology and Keeping In Touch
New technology is wonderful. Watching the rapid improvements in televisions, audio equipment, computers and especially phones, is almost awe inspiring. It seems like using your phone to make calls is a minor usage of it. Instead, we browse the web, text, play interactive games, keep our calendar and a multitude of other tasks. If you can download apps, you have an almost unlimited range of things you can do with your phone. This is the upside. The downside is that personal communication is taking a backseat to the use of technology. Send an email instead of making a phone call. Text instead of hand writing a note. Write on someone's Facebook wall instead of paying a visit...
Yesterday, I experienced the use of technology and received encouragement and inspiring conversation from our son and a good friend. Josh called from Hungary and it sounded like he was right next door. He was calling to get an update on my job process. I love to talk with Josh, he is always encouraging and really cares about his mom and dad. Josh called on a European plan cell phone. The other call I got was from Figi. My good friend Rob Leacock called to see how we were doing. His wife, Lori, had read my "job update blog" and Rob was checking on us. Again, that was a very encouraging call and I enjoyed talking with Rob for a few minutes. That call came from the internet. It is amazing to me that for a country so far away, again, it sounded like Rob was very close. The only glitch was when Lori logged on her computer and the band width didn't support both the call and her web browsing. She logged off and Rob was crystal clear again.
Earlier today Kathy and I sat in Starbucks with Claudia Alexander for a couple of hours and worked on a project. That was a great time for Kathy and I, very inspiring. Just before we sat down, our son, Jason, called me to check on us. I love talking with Jason. Our older sons constantly bless us. Tonight I played the piano for a recording session. Dear friends, Craig and Cindy Young, were singing the vocals. We had a wonderful time doing the recording and then talking after the session. Again, an encouraging and uplifting conversation.
Sometimes technology doesn't do it. Sometimes we need the personal touch of a person we can sit with and talk, or talk person to person on the phone, even if it's from a foreign country. I need to remember that for myself. There are some people that need to hear my voice, or read a handwritten card from me. How about you? Is there someone you need to touch personally? I think I'll buy some note cards and envelopes tomorrow.
Yesterday, I experienced the use of technology and received encouragement and inspiring conversation from our son and a good friend. Josh called from Hungary and it sounded like he was right next door. He was calling to get an update on my job process. I love to talk with Josh, he is always encouraging and really cares about his mom and dad. Josh called on a European plan cell phone. The other call I got was from Figi. My good friend Rob Leacock called to see how we were doing. His wife, Lori, had read my "job update blog" and Rob was checking on us. Again, that was a very encouraging call and I enjoyed talking with Rob for a few minutes. That call came from the internet. It is amazing to me that for a country so far away, again, it sounded like Rob was very close. The only glitch was when Lori logged on her computer and the band width didn't support both the call and her web browsing. She logged off and Rob was crystal clear again.
Earlier today Kathy and I sat in Starbucks with Claudia Alexander for a couple of hours and worked on a project. That was a great time for Kathy and I, very inspiring. Just before we sat down, our son, Jason, called me to check on us. I love talking with Jason. Our older sons constantly bless us. Tonight I played the piano for a recording session. Dear friends, Craig and Cindy Young, were singing the vocals. We had a wonderful time doing the recording and then talking after the session. Again, an encouraging and uplifting conversation.
Sometimes technology doesn't do it. Sometimes we need the personal touch of a person we can sit with and talk, or talk person to person on the phone, even if it's from a foreign country. I need to remember that for myself. There are some people that need to hear my voice, or read a handwritten card from me. How about you? Is there someone you need to touch personally? I think I'll buy some note cards and envelopes tomorrow.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Looking For A Job In the Summer of 2011 - Another Update
My last job hunt update blog was posted on August 24th. At that time, I had already discovered some interesting things about matching my skills and abilities to specific church ministry jobs. Since then, here's a couple of things that have been confirmed. 1) While churches are hiring Worship Leaders/Ministers of Music, they generally want that person to have at least 3 years of experience and their age to be somewhere in the middle of the age range of the church. That means, in most cases, someone in their 30s or 40s. While I have been a Minister of Music for 31 years, with very wide and diverse experience, my age puts me outside the preferred range. 2) My other skill set is in Church Business Administration. I have found that I am competing with many former financial institution employees who are CPAs or MBAs and will work for reduced church wages until the financial situation in the USA improves. For instance, I made the short list at an Episcopal church in Austin, TX for the position of Church Business Manager. The position was filled by an out-of-work CPA in Austin for a substantial reduction in pay. This worked great for the church, they paid their budgeted salary and got a very qualified employee, and did not have to pay for relocation expenses. This is a fairly typical scenario.
Today marks the 18th week of my job search. The severance package from my former church ends this week. Since most churches exempt themselves from paying into their state unemployment fund, church employees who are laid off or terminated cannot get unemployment benefits. In other words, our income completely stops after today, with no unemployment benefits eligibility. I am taking advantage of our state COBRA insurance program to continue our health insurance, but after October, we will pay the entire family premium. With 3 teenagers at home and Kathy and I both having some medical needs, health insurance is a necessity. A recent statistic I saw was that people in my age group take an average of 33 weeks to find a new job. With churches, once the holidays arrive, rarely are new employees hired until after the New Year. That means unless I can find a job before the third week of November, the holiday weeks will probably be lost to effective job hunting.
So, where are we? First, extremely grateful for the tremendous support of our family and friends. Thank you for all the meals and encouraging conversation, phone calls, cards, emails, etc. Just yesterday, some dear friends took us to breakfast and then to Sam's to "stock up". This is just one example of God truly blessing us through our friends. Second, in my wildest imaginations, I would have never thought that I would be in this situation at this stage in my life. To be let go from a church where I had served for almost 9 years, and in the words of the pastor "done a great job for our church", and in the worst economic period since the Great Depression, is almost unthinkable. However, God was not surprised. Now that our safety net is gone, this is where the real trust in God will come into play. I have always taught and believed that God is our Source. He uses our jobs to provide income, but He is the Source. The Salazars will find that out in the next weeks, and possibly months. Our relatives and friends tell us constantly that they are praying for us, and many of them have sent scriptures and words of encouragement. Please keep those prayers going heavenward and the encouragement coming to us. While we may go through some deep water, I know we'll have a victorious story to tell when we reach the shore. If you read this long post and have reached the end, thanks for your interest, support and prayers. Blessings...
Today marks the 18th week of my job search. The severance package from my former church ends this week. Since most churches exempt themselves from paying into their state unemployment fund, church employees who are laid off or terminated cannot get unemployment benefits. In other words, our income completely stops after today, with no unemployment benefits eligibility. I am taking advantage of our state COBRA insurance program to continue our health insurance, but after October, we will pay the entire family premium. With 3 teenagers at home and Kathy and I both having some medical needs, health insurance is a necessity. A recent statistic I saw was that people in my age group take an average of 33 weeks to find a new job. With churches, once the holidays arrive, rarely are new employees hired until after the New Year. That means unless I can find a job before the third week of November, the holiday weeks will probably be lost to effective job hunting.
So, where are we? First, extremely grateful for the tremendous support of our family and friends. Thank you for all the meals and encouraging conversation, phone calls, cards, emails, etc. Just yesterday, some dear friends took us to breakfast and then to Sam's to "stock up". This is just one example of God truly blessing us through our friends. Second, in my wildest imaginations, I would have never thought that I would be in this situation at this stage in my life. To be let go from a church where I had served for almost 9 years, and in the words of the pastor "done a great job for our church", and in the worst economic period since the Great Depression, is almost unthinkable. However, God was not surprised. Now that our safety net is gone, this is where the real trust in God will come into play. I have always taught and believed that God is our Source. He uses our jobs to provide income, but He is the Source. The Salazars will find that out in the next weeks, and possibly months. Our relatives and friends tell us constantly that they are praying for us, and many of them have sent scriptures and words of encouragement. Please keep those prayers going heavenward and the encouragement coming to us. While we may go through some deep water, I know we'll have a victorious story to tell when we reach the shore. If you read this long post and have reached the end, thanks for your interest, support and prayers. Blessings...
Friday, September 16, 2011
The Creator Is Still Creating
Last Christmas Kathy gave me the BBC video series Planet Earth and Blue Planet. These two multi DVD series are incredible looks at the wonderful planet we live on. As I watched each DVD, I was awed over and over again at God's creation. I was amused every time the narrator said something like "we're not sure exactly how this came to be, but it is amazing." I don't think the secular videographers meant to produce such great illustrations of God's creativity.This morning I finished reading the book of Job. In chapter 38 God responds to Job and his friends. God asks, "Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy? NIV
As I read these words, I thought again about the BBC series. I can see God measuring, figuring, planning, building small models and carefully creating each piece, each animal, each plant fitting together perfectly. As the creating began all the angels shouted for joy. What a thrilling scene. Here's a couple more thoughts; astronomers tell us that the universe is continuing to expand. No one know why. I do - God is still creating. He is making room for all the new stars and planets that are filling the space. One last thought. I read an article recently about a new species of shark turning up in a meat market. Scientists were amazed at this newly found species and they commented that there are probably thousands of plant, animal and insect species that haven't been discovered yet. I think God has a wonderful sense of humor. I can see Him continuing to create new species here on earth just to stay ahead of the scientists. I think He gets a real kick out of us finding something brand new and making a big deal out of it. I can see him leaning back and and laughing a huge cosmic belly laugh as His new creations are discovered. Just like creative artists continue to paint, sculpt, compose music, etc., I think our Creator is still creating. Creations that we will enjoy throughout eternity. Be careful when you squash that spider in your basement...it may be a brand new species...
Thursday, September 8, 2011
He Gives More Grace
He gives more grace as our burdens grow greater,
He sends more strength as our labors increase;
To added afflictions He adds His mercy,
To multiplied trials He multiplies peace.
His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He gives, and gives, and gives again.
When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed when the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father's full giving is only begun. (emphasis mine)
These are remarkable lyrics, a complete sermon right from God's Word, in 12 simple lines. It is even more remarkable when you consider that the author, Annie Johnson Flint, was orphaned at 6 years old and spent thirty years bedridden with arthritis. Annie initially wrote poetry as gifts to friends, but her talent became widely known. Many of her poems were set to music and published in books like Out of Doors.
When you think you have reached the lowest point, and you have exhausted all of your hoarded resources, God is just beginning to help you. Isn't it amazing how when you think your story is the worst ever, you find out someone else has had it much more difficult than you could ever imagine? In spite of Annie Flint's very difficult physical life, she really understood how much God loved her and cared for her. He does the same for you. If you know Annie's song, sing it right now. If you don't know the melody, read the lyrics slowly and let God make them real to you today. He will...I know...I've already sung the song this morning.
He sends more strength as our labors increase;
To added afflictions He adds His mercy,
To multiplied trials He multiplies peace.
His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He gives, and gives, and gives again.
When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed when the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father's full giving is only begun. (emphasis mine)
These are remarkable lyrics, a complete sermon right from God's Word, in 12 simple lines. It is even more remarkable when you consider that the author, Annie Johnson Flint, was orphaned at 6 years old and spent thirty years bedridden with arthritis. Annie initially wrote poetry as gifts to friends, but her talent became widely known. Many of her poems were set to music and published in books like Out of Doors.
When you think you have reached the lowest point, and you have exhausted all of your hoarded resources, God is just beginning to help you. Isn't it amazing how when you think your story is the worst ever, you find out someone else has had it much more difficult than you could ever imagine? In spite of Annie Flint's very difficult physical life, she really understood how much God loved her and cared for her. He does the same for you. If you know Annie's song, sing it right now. If you don't know the melody, read the lyrics slowly and let God make them real to you today. He will...I know...I've already sung the song this morning.
Monday, September 5, 2011
The Irony of Being Unemployed on Labor Day
On this holiday Monday, I think I would rather be working. I don't think I've ever said that on a holiday, but obviously, this is a different time and circumstance.
As a Christian that is trying desperately to trust God and stand on His Word, the national and international news can be unsettling. No jobs added in August isn't exactly a confidence builder. And, I must admit, I'm not holding my breath waiting for our President's jobs speech on Thursday. To top it off, this morning my daily Bible-Through-the-Year reading began the book of Job. Speaking of confidence building... :)
One thing struck me this morning as I read the first reading. After each of Job's servants reported in to tell him of all the losses he had suffered, and they were incredible losses, this is what it says at the end of the first chapter, "At this, Job got up and tor his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: 'Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.' In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing." (emphasis mine) I know I will never experience the depth and profound sorrow of Job's experience. However, my family and I may go through some deep water in the next few weeks and months. One thing I know, and God's Word through Job taught me again today, is that I must stay focused on God as our source, not the source of the calamity. Once Job dealt with the initial news and grief, (he tore his robe and shaved his head), he then fell to the ground in worship. I really want that to be my attitude.
So, if you see me in Walmart with a torn shirt and shaved head, don't panic. You will know that God and I are doing okay.
As a Christian that is trying desperately to trust God and stand on His Word, the national and international news can be unsettling. No jobs added in August isn't exactly a confidence builder. And, I must admit, I'm not holding my breath waiting for our President's jobs speech on Thursday. To top it off, this morning my daily Bible-Through-the-Year reading began the book of Job. Speaking of confidence building... :)
One thing struck me this morning as I read the first reading. After each of Job's servants reported in to tell him of all the losses he had suffered, and they were incredible losses, this is what it says at the end of the first chapter, "At this, Job got up and tor his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: 'Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.' In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing." (emphasis mine) I know I will never experience the depth and profound sorrow of Job's experience. However, my family and I may go through some deep water in the next few weeks and months. One thing I know, and God's Word through Job taught me again today, is that I must stay focused on God as our source, not the source of the calamity. Once Job dealt with the initial news and grief, (he tore his robe and shaved his head), he then fell to the ground in worship. I really want that to be my attitude.
So, if you see me in Walmart with a torn shirt and shaved head, don't panic. You will know that God and I are doing okay.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Looking For A Job In the Summer of 2011 - Update
I started the process of looking for a new ministry job at the end of May. It is now near the end of August, 3 months later. Here is what I am finding out; there are a lot of people looking for work, there are a lot of people looking for ministry jobs, the average professional job seeker takes between 33 and 104 weeks to start working again. I spoke with a pastor in a medium sized church a couple of weeks ago. He is filling two pastoral positions. He told me he was overwhelmed by the number of resumes he had received. He said the last time he had to fill a position, pre-2008, he only got 5-6 resumes and since only 2 were qualified, it was easy to fill the position. While he didn't tell me how many resumes he had received for the position I was looking at, I could tell he was nearly paralyzed by the stacks of applications and resumes. One music position at a larger Iowa church generated 100 resumes. A Birmingham, AL church looking for a church administrator received over 70 resumes. While we are all aware of the very difficult national economy, unemployment rate and housing market, it really hits home when you are trying to find a job and sell a house.
The good news is that God knows what is happening, His word is still true, and people are getting hired. I have several situations that I'm waiting on, and I'm optimistic that very soon I'll be "back in the saddle." A friend gave me a booklet written by a friend of his when he was unemployed. He wrote "God has already identified my next job, my assignment is to find it." I firmly believe that God has picked our our next ministry position and He will help us find it.
For our friends that have shared a meal with us, written cards, called and emailed, thanks so much for your support. Thanks for your prayers for us. Please keep holding us up in prayer. We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary — we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit! Rom 5:3-5 the Message
The good news is that God knows what is happening, His word is still true, and people are getting hired. I have several situations that I'm waiting on, and I'm optimistic that very soon I'll be "back in the saddle." A friend gave me a booklet written by a friend of his when he was unemployed. He wrote "God has already identified my next job, my assignment is to find it." I firmly believe that God has picked our our next ministry position and He will help us find it.
For our friends that have shared a meal with us, written cards, called and emailed, thanks so much for your support. Thanks for your prayers for us. Please keep holding us up in prayer. We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary — we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit! Rom 5:3-5 the Message
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart
I have been reading Near To the Heart of God, Meditations on 366 Best-Loved Hymns this year along with my daily Bible study. Today's hymn, Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart really jumped out at me.
It was written by George Croly, an Irishman who was asked in 1835 to reopen a church that had been closed for 100 years. It was in the heart of the London slums, but his powerful preaching attracted large crowds. He prepared a fresh hymnal for the church and he included this hymn he had written.
Spirit of God, descend upon my heart; wean it from earth; through all its pulses move;
Stoop to my weakness, mighty as Thou art; and make me love Thee as I ought to love.
I ask no dream, no prophet ecstasies, no sudden rending of the veil of clay,
No angel visitant, no opening skies; but take the dimness of my soul away.
Teach me to feel that Thou art always nigh; teach me the struggles of the soul to bear.
To check the rising doubt, the rebel sigh, teach me the patience of unanswered prayer.
Teach me to love Thee as Thine angels love, one holy passion filling all my frame;
The kindling of the heaven descended Dove, my heart an altar, and Thy love the flame.
Read each verse slowly, meditating on each one. This is a wonderful prayer of submission to the will of God.
It was written by George Croly, an Irishman who was asked in 1835 to reopen a church that had been closed for 100 years. It was in the heart of the London slums, but his powerful preaching attracted large crowds. He prepared a fresh hymnal for the church and he included this hymn he had written.
Spirit of God, descend upon my heart; wean it from earth; through all its pulses move;
Stoop to my weakness, mighty as Thou art; and make me love Thee as I ought to love.
I ask no dream, no prophet ecstasies, no sudden rending of the veil of clay,
No angel visitant, no opening skies; but take the dimness of my soul away.
Teach me to feel that Thou art always nigh; teach me the struggles of the soul to bear.
To check the rising doubt, the rebel sigh, teach me the patience of unanswered prayer.
Teach me to love Thee as Thine angels love, one holy passion filling all my frame;
The kindling of the heaven descended Dove, my heart an altar, and Thy love the flame.
Read each verse slowly, meditating on each one. This is a wonderful prayer of submission to the will of God.
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