It is hard to believe that Charge Conference is a little over a month away. The Administrative Council has been diligently working on the necessary reports that are to be presented during this conference. Each committee chairperson has been evaluating their needs and informing the Council of next year’s expectations. Now we face the unenviable task of putting together a financial budget for 2011 based on these needs. Oh yes, you might have figured out where I am going with this information. It is stewardship time again. I believe the only people liked less than used car salespersons or insurance salespersons are those who ask people to support the church through a financial pledge (lol).
In another visit with Henrietta Thomas, not too long ago, I was once again reminded of what it means to be a follower of Christ. During the visit we were sitting in a common area on a couch talking about things in general. She mentioned her daughter, Anne Abernethy, always seemed to be at the church donating cans of food. I informed Henrietta that we collect food for Bluffton Self Help and Access Networks. What she did next touched me deeply. Henrietta reached into her purse and pulled out a $10 bill and asked me to use this money to buy cans of food for our collection. My first thought turned to Jesus teaching his disciples about giving after the widow made her offering at the temple. Jesus said (paraphrased) “Y’all see those folks over there? It may seem based on the amount of their giving they are large contributors. See that older woman over yonder? She only put a couple of coins in the offering plate. Let me point out that what she gave was nothing more than a drop in the bucket full of water. Yet, her giving came from the heart. Those other folks, well, they gave what was in essence loose change. The church is their last priority.”
Henrietta’s offering was nothing more than a drop in the bucket full of water in the grand scheme of things. All she bought was less than 10 cans of food. Not even a day’s supply of food for Bluffton Self Help or Access Networks. Yet, Henrietta gave from the heart. She just turned 93 years old. How many 93- year- old women do we know, who have a rigidly fixed income that can afford to give away $10? Again, Henrietta taught me a unique lesson in her own way.
I know we emphasize giving in the church by referencing the term “tithing”. Yes, we ask for 10% of your income referencing Abram’s offering to the Melchizedek found in Genesis 14:17-24. This was the first tithe offered. Maybe it is time to rethink how we approach financial support for the church as Stewardship Sunday approaches us in November. The recent economic crisis has damaged giving in the church in general. I can sympathize and empathize with this problem. The church should not pretend that such a condition does not exist. Instead, let’s rethink our approach. Forget about the term “tithe” and let’s talk about faithful giving (me included). While giving by membership pays for church salaries I want you to know that administrative salaries cannot exceed 40% of the total budget. So why do we ask for money?
It is true we are trying to meet our overhead and then sometimes we are in need of money for specific projects. But the most important reason, as I see it, is to support the mission work, along with outreach, of the church. Through giving you are investing in yourself, your church, and in the Kingdom of God. An emotional moment for me came during an Epiphany Weekend several years ago in Columbia at the Broad River Rd. DJJ facility. Epiphany is a prison ministry for incarcerated youth. Like any ministry it plants seeds with the hopes that some one will experience the wonderful grace of God. Team members had sold meal tickets to raise money to offset the cost of food. DJJ is not charged for the youth to attend Epiphany Weekend. It is free. As each meal came out a card was placed at each place setting where a youth was seated. On the card was written “This meal has been provided by __________ out of their love for God and you”. Each ticket sold for $5. Not a lot of money in the grand scheme of things but it was a lot. For some of these teenagers who are behind bars the thought that another person cares about them is inconceivable. I’m not sure who experienced the greater joy, those receiving or those giving. Faithful giving is one way others experience the Kingdom of God. Faithful giving is about the unconditional love of God, which asks for nothing in return. It is not about earning brownie points with God. Faithful giving is one way we worship God.
Like the widow who offers God her all in worship, like Henrietta who offers God her all in worship, let us now do the same and know our offering is a way we worship God. Do not think of giving as an obligation but about how others experience the grace and love of Christ as we can reach out to those in need. Think about the joy on the children’s faces in our church as they light up because someone actually cares enough about them by making sure they have supplies and snacks. Think about those who benefit form our ministries in time of need. Yes, God will say, “Well done good and faithful servant”. This year, please give with your heart and give what you can.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Up Close
Ellis’s was one of the restaurants I used to call on in Spartanburg when I worked for Southern Wines & Spirits. It just so happened that this particular account was one of my favorites. In 2001, Mitchell, the chef and owner, said he had received two free passes from a client for the final round of the Master’s Golf Tournament. Mitchell went on to explain that he knew I played golf and would probably be interested in attending the tournament with him, so he offered me one of the passes. However, there was a caveat. I needed to let him know at that moment if I could attend. I placed the all important phone call home and said “This is not open for debate. I will not be in church on Sunday. I have been offered a pass to attend the final round of the Master’s. I will be in Augusta.” This was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Upon passing through the gates of Augusta National I realized I was not in Kansas anymore. Excitement filled the air as people anticipated seeing their favorite golfer. I noticed a couple of things on this day. First, you can tell how popular a golfer is by the size of the crowd following him. I was standing against the ropes of the 16th tee box when Fred Couples walked up and prepared to make his tee shot. All of a sudden the air around me stopped moving, it got hot, and I felt enclosed. I turned around to see what was happening, and the massive crowd engulfed my position. After Fred Couples made his tee shot the wind started blowing again and I could breathe. The second thing very noticeable was how people arrived early to find a location close to the 18th green. There the people sat, and anticipated the action that was at least four to six hours away. All in all, people were excited to be there and wanted to get as close to the action as possible so they could, through their presence, participate in the action.
Not quite the same in the church as it is at a sporting event, or any other type of event that sparks an interest inside us. It is actually interesting to watch a congregation filter in prior to a worship service on a Sunday morning. Mind you this is not reflective of all churches, nor the Church of the Palms. The crowd differs from that of the Master’s because people try to find a seat as far away from the front as possible. Even more amusing is the couple that arrives late and stands at the back looking for a seat and seeing the wife whisper to her husband saying, “I told you we should have left sooner. Now we have to sit up front”. We take our assigned seating in the church very seriously. These are seats that are passed from generation to generation in the same way that season ticket holders for the Greenbay Packers do. Then, if the seats should become available those next in line on the waiting list are given the seats. Why are we afraid to sit so close to the front? Are we scared the pastor is going to ask us to serve? Are we fearful that Jesus might actually reach out and touch us?
God has not called us to a passive faith. In Matthew 10 Jesus sends the disciples out to cure the sick, raise the dead, cure the lepers, and cast out demons. Jesus did not say “Sit here and wait on me. This won’t take long”. Jesus did not send a text or IM to his disciples saying “brb”. Jesus has asked us to sit as close to the 18th green as possible. To get as close to the front as possible so we can be a part of the action. Jesus tells the disciples, including us, we have been given authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, to cure every disease and every sickness. In other words, we are to carry the good news of Christ throughout the world. We are the arms, legs, and feet who physically take care of others. We are the voice of Christ that soothes and comforts others. We are the Body of Christ that is present in the brokenness of the world, showing it that the Kingdom of God is near. Through our outreach in missions others are able to experience the beginnings of eternal life, knowing and anticipating the second advent of Christ. October is mission’s emphasis month for us at the Church of the Palms. Let us show the world how popular Jesus is by the size of the crowd that follows him. Jesus will lead us to where we need to be. There are many opportunities for mission’s work and outreach for us on a local, regional, and global level. I encourage you to seek out those opportunities.
Not quite the same in the church as it is at a sporting event, or any other type of event that sparks an interest inside us. It is actually interesting to watch a congregation filter in prior to a worship service on a Sunday morning. Mind you this is not reflective of all churches, nor the Church of the Palms. The crowd differs from that of the Master’s because people try to find a seat as far away from the front as possible. Even more amusing is the couple that arrives late and stands at the back looking for a seat and seeing the wife whisper to her husband saying, “I told you we should have left sooner. Now we have to sit up front”. We take our assigned seating in the church very seriously. These are seats that are passed from generation to generation in the same way that season ticket holders for the Greenbay Packers do. Then, if the seats should become available those next in line on the waiting list are given the seats. Why are we afraid to sit so close to the front? Are we scared the pastor is going to ask us to serve? Are we fearful that Jesus might actually reach out and touch us?
God has not called us to a passive faith. In Matthew 10 Jesus sends the disciples out to cure the sick, raise the dead, cure the lepers, and cast out demons. Jesus did not say “Sit here and wait on me. This won’t take long”. Jesus did not send a text or IM to his disciples saying “brb”. Jesus has asked us to sit as close to the 18th green as possible. To get as close to the front as possible so we can be a part of the action. Jesus tells the disciples, including us, we have been given authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, to cure every disease and every sickness. In other words, we are to carry the good news of Christ throughout the world. We are the arms, legs, and feet who physically take care of others. We are the voice of Christ that soothes and comforts others. We are the Body of Christ that is present in the brokenness of the world, showing it that the Kingdom of God is near. Through our outreach in missions others are able to experience the beginnings of eternal life, knowing and anticipating the second advent of Christ. October is mission’s emphasis month for us at the Church of the Palms. Let us show the world how popular Jesus is by the size of the crowd that follows him. Jesus will lead us to where we need to be. There are many opportunities for mission’s work and outreach for us on a local, regional, and global level. I encourage you to seek out those opportunities.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
In the name of God
I wonder what must have been going through the minds of those Confederate soldiers, who manned the large cannons on the Battery, as they prepared to fire upon Ft. Sumter? The cannon balls were impractical because the weight of the ammunition prevented direct volleys from being fired upon the enemy. Yet, a way to cause the most damage by a weapon, which at that time must have seemed technologically advanced for that era in history, was implemented. The cannon balls were skipped along the water in the same fashion one skips rocks. This almost seems laughable compared to our weapons technology of today. Stop and think about how weapons in modern history have become more and more destructive. From the musket to the rifle to the Gatling gun, humans have found more efficient ways to inflict maximum damage. WWI saw chemical warfare in the form of mustard gas break on to the scene. Let’s not forget about other weapons, which made their debut during this war. Tanks and bi-planes improved our ability to kill each other. In WWII the Nazi war machine featured the top of the line fighter plane (Messerschmitt) as the Allies countered with the P-51. Adolf Hitler launched the V1 and V2 rockets against the British people during his reign as Fuhrer of Germany with the hopes of destroying their will to fight. Above all else we cannot forget about the damage, including death, caused by the A-bomb dropped on Nagasaki and Hiroshima. Guns, chemicals, bombs, and missiles are continually being improved so they may inflict the most damage possible.
There is another weapon that often goes unrecognized by the inhabitants of the earth but seems to be used more often than any other weapon known to humankind. We could almost call this a weapon of mass destruction. The weapon I speak of is the Holy Bible. Scripture has been used to justify wars such as the Crusades. God’s commands have been referenced when medical clinics have been bombed because of certain procedures performed inside of them. Slavery around the world has been justified with Scripture by oppressors who claimed those being enslaved did not have a soul. No soul meant God created the enslaved as lesser beings. At times the events of 9/11/01 have been compared to God’s destruction of the Tower of Babel. Even better, natural disasters like the Haitian earthquake or certain hurricanes are portrayed as God’s punishment against sinful nations of cities. Ethnic groups, different religions, and those living alternative lifestyles are among many whose sin is called out by Christians. Christians and non-Christians appear to have an endless supply of Christian Bibles to hurl at the groups they do not like.
It seems the most effective method of implementing damage in the name of God is redefining God to support ideological beliefs. Michael Yaconelli referred to these Christians as Kingdom Monitors. These are congregations or individuals who have developed standards by which upon a person’s value in God’s eyes are assessed. The actions of others are judged, the target is sited, the weapon is fired, and people are condemned. One church, in reference to local ministries such as a soup kitchen, said, “These people are just lazy. There are perfectly healthy men capable of finding a job and making a living. That is why we refuse to get involved”. When did the church receive the authority from God to determine who is worthy of God’s grace and love? John 3:17 states, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” The church is supposed to the first place where the kingdom of God is experienced, yes?
Recently I have been watching a person I know going through a difficult time in their life experience the “ugly” side of the Christian faith. My friend has seen their life discussed openly on Facebook. The same people, those thought to have a close personal relationship with my friend, have wiped the dust from their Bibles and found appropriate verses to hurl in a way the damage is maximized. Each one is a DIRECT HIT. There is no grace being shown. There is no love being shown. There is no compassion being shown. Only judgment is being offered up. Instead of support regardless of the outcome there has been a constant barrage of Biblical references designed to inflict maximum damage on its target. All is done in the name of God. Is this really what the Bible teaches us to do? Is Scripture a tool for judgment or a way in which God’s grace is revealed?
John 13:34 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” 1 John 4:21 “And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.” Galatians 6:2 “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Look up John 15:13) How has the command to love one another become so distorted? The challenge for us, as professed Christians and local churches, is daunting. We should be reflecting to others the same love and grace from God we have experienced. Instead of judgment let us hold each other’s hands in support. Instead of hurling Bibles let us speak a language of love. It is time to stop the mass destruction in the name of God. If we read, study, and meditate on the word of God then combine this with prayer our churches may start to fill up again. Our relationships with each other will improve. Our hearts will be transformed and instead of living our lives for ourselves we will be living them for God. Then, when all is said and done, maybe we will hear these words found in Matthew 25, “Well done good and faithful servant”.
There is another weapon that often goes unrecognized by the inhabitants of the earth but seems to be used more often than any other weapon known to humankind. We could almost call this a weapon of mass destruction. The weapon I speak of is the Holy Bible. Scripture has been used to justify wars such as the Crusades. God’s commands have been referenced when medical clinics have been bombed because of certain procedures performed inside of them. Slavery around the world has been justified with Scripture by oppressors who claimed those being enslaved did not have a soul. No soul meant God created the enslaved as lesser beings. At times the events of 9/11/01 have been compared to God’s destruction of the Tower of Babel. Even better, natural disasters like the Haitian earthquake or certain hurricanes are portrayed as God’s punishment against sinful nations of cities. Ethnic groups, different religions, and those living alternative lifestyles are among many whose sin is called out by Christians. Christians and non-Christians appear to have an endless supply of Christian Bibles to hurl at the groups they do not like.
It seems the most effective method of implementing damage in the name of God is redefining God to support ideological beliefs. Michael Yaconelli referred to these Christians as Kingdom Monitors. These are congregations or individuals who have developed standards by which upon a person’s value in God’s eyes are assessed. The actions of others are judged, the target is sited, the weapon is fired, and people are condemned. One church, in reference to local ministries such as a soup kitchen, said, “These people are just lazy. There are perfectly healthy men capable of finding a job and making a living. That is why we refuse to get involved”. When did the church receive the authority from God to determine who is worthy of God’s grace and love? John 3:17 states, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” The church is supposed to the first place where the kingdom of God is experienced, yes?
Recently I have been watching a person I know going through a difficult time in their life experience the “ugly” side of the Christian faith. My friend has seen their life discussed openly on Facebook. The same people, those thought to have a close personal relationship with my friend, have wiped the dust from their Bibles and found appropriate verses to hurl in a way the damage is maximized. Each one is a DIRECT HIT. There is no grace being shown. There is no love being shown. There is no compassion being shown. Only judgment is being offered up. Instead of support regardless of the outcome there has been a constant barrage of Biblical references designed to inflict maximum damage on its target. All is done in the name of God. Is this really what the Bible teaches us to do? Is Scripture a tool for judgment or a way in which God’s grace is revealed?
John 13:34 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” 1 John 4:21 “And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.” Galatians 6:2 “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Look up John 15:13) How has the command to love one another become so distorted? The challenge for us, as professed Christians and local churches, is daunting. We should be reflecting to others the same love and grace from God we have experienced. Instead of judgment let us hold each other’s hands in support. Instead of hurling Bibles let us speak a language of love. It is time to stop the mass destruction in the name of God. If we read, study, and meditate on the word of God then combine this with prayer our churches may start to fill up again. Our relationships with each other will improve. Our hearts will be transformed and instead of living our lives for ourselves we will be living them for God. Then, when all is said and done, maybe we will hear these words found in Matthew 25, “Well done good and faithful servant”.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Conflict
I was in Lowe’s Hardware the other day and chuckled under my breath as I passed by the sections with tools. When I was in the eighth grade my parents (mainly my dad) enrolled me into shop class. The grade one received in this class was based upon the quality of the work done. Even though I made it through the class without cutting off any of my extremities an outsider looking in could definitely say this was not one of my strengths. In other words, I know what a hammer looks like but it may not be a wise thing to let me operate such heavy equipment. After graduation from high school I, like many graduates, faced the decision of what I really wanted to do with my life. My dad, who received an electrical engineering degree from the University of South Carolina, decided it was best for me to follow in his footsteps. I enrolled in the pre-engineering program offered by Auburn University-Montgomery. The best description of my first year in college was that it was not a pleasant experience. In fact it was a nightmare. I failed calculus the first time, then made a “D” the second time. At least I showed improvement. Frankly, I could not care less about the area under the “bell curve”. Chemistry was fun but I am forever grateful for my lab partner since he is the one who carried us through that class. One of the funnier moments came during the graphics design class that was required for engineers. At least I earned a well-deserved “C” in that class. My test scores were very good but my designs pointed towards another problem. I will never forget what the instructor said to me one day after class. We were discussing one of my basic designs and he said, “I have never seen someone try so hard and do so poorly”. It would be a physics class that ended my engineering career. Yes, I DROPPED the class.
A shroud of disappointment surrounded my dad as he realized I could not live up to his expectations. We did not and still do not see things the same way on many issues. My passions and interests are very different from my dad’s. Unfortunately this has created an ongoing conflict in our relationship. Each passing year sees another opportunity to resolve any differences drift away. A simple solution to this conflict would be to utter the words “I love you” to each other. I will always be able to see how many times I reached out to resolve our conflict, but I wonder how many times my dad reached out to me only to see me turn him away? Yet, conflict resolution doesn’t appear to be that simple. I have observed that differences between individuals and communities tend to be stumbling blocks and not viewed as the uniqueness in which God has created us.
Conflict not only exists among those who are different, it is prevalent among those who are similar. I remember seeing a cartoon posted on the wall of an architect. It showed the same building from three different ways. The caption went something like this: “How the architect envisions it, the engineer applies it, and the contractor builds it.” This speaks to how we as individuals differ in how we see things. Diversity provides an opportunity for learning. In our differences we should be coming to the table to communicate our feelings and thoughts rather than shutting down opportunities to resolve any conflicts that exist.
Through out history, especially church history, differences have created conflict because communication breaks down. As a result the church has created an atmosphere of animosity rather than love. Groups quarrel passionately with each other instead of talking. Power struggles ensue as one group wants to dominate the other. Eventually a human vision of God is developed that reflects a god who rejects others because they do not measure up to human expectations. I appreciate how passions create excitement within each individual. In the church passions can seem to act as a catalyst for conflict rather than portraying a God who loves all people. I for one am grateful for the uniqueness of each individual at the Church of the Palms. Our diversity portrays a big God who is Lord of all. In this diversity we will not only grow individually but will grow the body of Christ through our witness. Our journey is just beginning and it will be fun. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of it.
Watch this YouTube video if you are able
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTBx-hHf4BE
A shroud of disappointment surrounded my dad as he realized I could not live up to his expectations. We did not and still do not see things the same way on many issues. My passions and interests are very different from my dad’s. Unfortunately this has created an ongoing conflict in our relationship. Each passing year sees another opportunity to resolve any differences drift away. A simple solution to this conflict would be to utter the words “I love you” to each other. I will always be able to see how many times I reached out to resolve our conflict, but I wonder how many times my dad reached out to me only to see me turn him away? Yet, conflict resolution doesn’t appear to be that simple. I have observed that differences between individuals and communities tend to be stumbling blocks and not viewed as the uniqueness in which God has created us.
Conflict not only exists among those who are different, it is prevalent among those who are similar. I remember seeing a cartoon posted on the wall of an architect. It showed the same building from three different ways. The caption went something like this: “How the architect envisions it, the engineer applies it, and the contractor builds it.” This speaks to how we as individuals differ in how we see things. Diversity provides an opportunity for learning. In our differences we should be coming to the table to communicate our feelings and thoughts rather than shutting down opportunities to resolve any conflicts that exist.
Through out history, especially church history, differences have created conflict because communication breaks down. As a result the church has created an atmosphere of animosity rather than love. Groups quarrel passionately with each other instead of talking. Power struggles ensue as one group wants to dominate the other. Eventually a human vision of God is developed that reflects a god who rejects others because they do not measure up to human expectations. I appreciate how passions create excitement within each individual. In the church passions can seem to act as a catalyst for conflict rather than portraying a God who loves all people. I for one am grateful for the uniqueness of each individual at the Church of the Palms. Our diversity portrays a big God who is Lord of all. In this diversity we will not only grow individually but will grow the body of Christ through our witness. Our journey is just beginning and it will be fun. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of it.
Watch this YouTube video if you are able
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTBx-hHf4BE
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
A Light Shines in the Darkness
The Labor Day festivities have come and gone with some fanfare. The fall equinox waits patiently for us near the end of September. As summer comes to a close I find myself reflecting upon my own childhood adventures. One particular memory, which jumps out at me, is a game I used to play with some of my cousins along with my sister. The name of the game we played was called night tag. Obviously the name hints to the time in which the game could be played effectively but there were other rules as well. Night tag was an indoor game and not played outside (Much to the displeasure expressed by the adults). The participants in this game were confined to an area such as a mid-size to large room. The more furniture in the room the better as hiding places could be found in abundance. After the person who was selected to be “it” was picked a blindfold was placed around their eyes and the lights in the room were turned off. Not only was it dark but it was “good ‘n dark”. “It” started the count down, “One thousand one, one thousand two…”, as soon as the lights were turned off. This was the clue for others to find a hiding place and avoid the tagger. Upon the words “Ready or not” all who were playing knew the fun was ready to begin. Remember, not one person could see anything or anybody. If we could sense “it” was near us we would change locations in the room. Ultimately players were running into players as well as the furniture. Loud bangs and uncontrollable laughter could be heard throughout the house.
Darkness has a way of placing a shroud of uncertainty around us. Even a game as simple as hide-n-seek becomes more of a challenge when darkness is added to the game. Depth perception, direction, and balance are a few of the areas altered by such an obstacle as darkness. A person becomes timid in their approach as they hope to make their way to the desired destination. Uncertainty leads to doubt. Doubt allows a person to question the direction they are traveling in life. There may have been a time when a person has felt as though everything was moving in the right direction. The path being traveled is well lit. Then all of a sudden the lights are turned off. What seemed so clear has now become a blur. In the darkness fear also crawls deep into our soul. No longer can we make our own way. If only…
Imagine how much easier the game night tag would have been if each of the participants had a flashlight and the “it” was not blindfolded. No, it would not have been as much fun but definitely easier. In our own lives there have been moments when everything seemed so good, the direction was clear, and all of a sudden the lights go out. I met Joel Townsend when I attended the “Friends in Faith” Sunday school class at Covenant UMC. I always enjoyed talking to him. One day I received a phone call from a dear friend, Filip Raeckleboom, telling me Joel had died in a car wreck. Even though I was not as close to Joel as many others were the news was still life altering. Left behind were a wife, three young children, family members, and many friends. Darkness did not creep into the many lives affected by this moment but it leapt. How could this happen? What was God thinking? Lives were altered in many ways by darkness most notably in the area of faith. Maybe some people lost direction temporarily, maybe some turned from the church, or maybe some even turned away from God altogether. I am not really sure. If only there had been a light to guide them. I know the faith of Joel’s wife, Mara, has been a blessing to many people. She relied and still relies upon the light of God to get her through those moments when darkness tries to take over the light. How about you? When, not if, has your life been altered by the advent of darkness? Have you been able to make your way through it? There is good news. A light has been provided. Matthew 5:14 says “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” John 8:12 says Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." In the midst of darkness God has given us a light to help guide us through our daily lives. This light is present in both the joys and sorrows of life. We are never alone. This is a light which is eternal and can never be extinguished. There are going to be times when we loose direction or question God but know that the love of God is that light which guides us every moment of every day. How can we as individuals and a church reflect the light of God?
Darkness has a way of placing a shroud of uncertainty around us. Even a game as simple as hide-n-seek becomes more of a challenge when darkness is added to the game. Depth perception, direction, and balance are a few of the areas altered by such an obstacle as darkness. A person becomes timid in their approach as they hope to make their way to the desired destination. Uncertainty leads to doubt. Doubt allows a person to question the direction they are traveling in life. There may have been a time when a person has felt as though everything was moving in the right direction. The path being traveled is well lit. Then all of a sudden the lights are turned off. What seemed so clear has now become a blur. In the darkness fear also crawls deep into our soul. No longer can we make our own way. If only…
Imagine how much easier the game night tag would have been if each of the participants had a flashlight and the “it” was not blindfolded. No, it would not have been as much fun but definitely easier. In our own lives there have been moments when everything seemed so good, the direction was clear, and all of a sudden the lights go out. I met Joel Townsend when I attended the “Friends in Faith” Sunday school class at Covenant UMC. I always enjoyed talking to him. One day I received a phone call from a dear friend, Filip Raeckleboom, telling me Joel had died in a car wreck. Even though I was not as close to Joel as many others were the news was still life altering. Left behind were a wife, three young children, family members, and many friends. Darkness did not creep into the many lives affected by this moment but it leapt. How could this happen? What was God thinking? Lives were altered in many ways by darkness most notably in the area of faith. Maybe some people lost direction temporarily, maybe some turned from the church, or maybe some even turned away from God altogether. I am not really sure. If only there had been a light to guide them. I know the faith of Joel’s wife, Mara, has been a blessing to many people. She relied and still relies upon the light of God to get her through those moments when darkness tries to take over the light. How about you? When, not if, has your life been altered by the advent of darkness? Have you been able to make your way through it? There is good news. A light has been provided. Matthew 5:14 says “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” John 8:12 says Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." In the midst of darkness God has given us a light to help guide us through our daily lives. This light is present in both the joys and sorrows of life. We are never alone. This is a light which is eternal and can never be extinguished. There are going to be times when we loose direction or question God but know that the love of God is that light which guides us every moment of every day. How can we as individuals and a church reflect the light of God?
My True Love
As the sun fades away
My heart fears the hidden places deep within
Those found in the cold, dark night
My eyes grow weary, asleep I fall
I am apart from my true love
Morning soon breaks the grip of the night
My heart is awakened
Awakened by the warm kisses of the sunbeams upon my cheek
A new day is at hand
My heart leaps with joy
My true love is with me again
David Norrell
July 2010
Thursday, September 2, 2010
It's a God Thing
When the University of Alabama takes to the football field this weekend there is no doubt that I will find myself feeling homesick. There are times during moments of solitude my mind drifts away from what I am doing and transports me to Alabama. There will always be a connection as I was born and raised, for the most part, in this state. The fondness for my “home state” brings about a measure of comfort and I do find myself imagining what it would be like if I moved back to Alabama. Isn’t it natural for us to gravitate towards the things which bring about comfort?
The other day I was sitting in a waiting room with Dave Harrelson while Betsy was undergoing knee replacement surgery. There was another gentleman present in the waiting room, which prompted Dave and me to pick seats at a safe distant from him. Typically in locations such as waiting rooms we seek distance from others for comfort. Without talking to a person and learning who they are we often conclude there is nothing we have in common with them (no connection). This being the first time I have met the Harrelson’s my conversation with Dave started out in typical fashion, which was very general. Naturally I assumed they were not native to this area, as most residents in these parts have migrated from other regions of the country. Dave informed me they moved from San Diego. They had settled in Southern California after he retired from the Navy. Further discussion revealed he was from Anniston, Alabama. Oh my gosh, another kindred spirit whose roots are grounded in a state I affectionately refer to as God’s country. Remember the gentleman sitting in the waiting room with us? He overheard our conversation and said, “Did I hear y’all say you were from Alabama? I am from Opp, Alabama.” What are the chances that the only three people sitting in a waiting room, at Hilton Head Hospital, were all from the state of Alabama? Even better, the connections between the three of us go deeper than being natives of the same state. He and Dave are both residents of Sun City and former Navy. Opp, located in southern Alabama near Enterprise, produced former Alabama player and Coach Mike Dubose. All three of us found a connection.
I am constantly amazed at how we are connected to others in one way or another. Think about it, Bill Griffin had a daughter attend the University of Alabama, Ann Kundrat was born in Clanton, Alabama (near my home town of Selma), and Candace Gross’s son Jacob, was stationed at Maxwell AFB in Montgomery. Relationships are facilitated through connections. Comfort puts us at ease, which provides a way for relationships to flourish. It’s a God thing! Think of the diversity of the area in which we, members of the Church of the Palms, live. So many differences exist between us yet we also have a connection. We profess the same belief, at least I think we do (I am chuckling), in God through our creeds. I believe each one of us is a unique creation woven together in our belief in God. Our belief in God, as we examine the Apostle’s Creed this month, gives us a measure of comfort. Comfort facilitates our relationship with each other. It’s a God thing! God has intended us to be in a relationship not only with God, but also with each other. Yet we should not limit the scope of our relationships to others. Christians often push away those who are not like them, thus rejecting God’s intention for creation. We at the Church of the Palms are here for a reason. We, in every aspect of our lives, are to be a witness to the God we profess a belief in. ALL humankind was created in God’s image and this gives us a connection to each other no matter who it is. Let us take this message to the people. It’s a God thing!
The other day I was sitting in a waiting room with Dave Harrelson while Betsy was undergoing knee replacement surgery. There was another gentleman present in the waiting room, which prompted Dave and me to pick seats at a safe distant from him. Typically in locations such as waiting rooms we seek distance from others for comfort. Without talking to a person and learning who they are we often conclude there is nothing we have in common with them (no connection). This being the first time I have met the Harrelson’s my conversation with Dave started out in typical fashion, which was very general. Naturally I assumed they were not native to this area, as most residents in these parts have migrated from other regions of the country. Dave informed me they moved from San Diego. They had settled in Southern California after he retired from the Navy. Further discussion revealed he was from Anniston, Alabama. Oh my gosh, another kindred spirit whose roots are grounded in a state I affectionately refer to as God’s country. Remember the gentleman sitting in the waiting room with us? He overheard our conversation and said, “Did I hear y’all say you were from Alabama? I am from Opp, Alabama.” What are the chances that the only three people sitting in a waiting room, at Hilton Head Hospital, were all from the state of Alabama? Even better, the connections between the three of us go deeper than being natives of the same state. He and Dave are both residents of Sun City and former Navy. Opp, located in southern Alabama near Enterprise, produced former Alabama player and Coach Mike Dubose. All three of us found a connection.
I am constantly amazed at how we are connected to others in one way or another. Think about it, Bill Griffin had a daughter attend the University of Alabama, Ann Kundrat was born in Clanton, Alabama (near my home town of Selma), and Candace Gross’s son Jacob, was stationed at Maxwell AFB in Montgomery. Relationships are facilitated through connections. Comfort puts us at ease, which provides a way for relationships to flourish. It’s a God thing! Think of the diversity of the area in which we, members of the Church of the Palms, live. So many differences exist between us yet we also have a connection. We profess the same belief, at least I think we do (I am chuckling), in God through our creeds. I believe each one of us is a unique creation woven together in our belief in God. Our belief in God, as we examine the Apostle’s Creed this month, gives us a measure of comfort. Comfort facilitates our relationship with each other. It’s a God thing! God has intended us to be in a relationship not only with God, but also with each other. Yet we should not limit the scope of our relationships to others. Christians often push away those who are not like them, thus rejecting God’s intention for creation. We at the Church of the Palms are here for a reason. We, in every aspect of our lives, are to be a witness to the God we profess a belief in. ALL humankind was created in God’s image and this gives us a connection to each other no matter who it is. Let us take this message to the people. It’s a God thing!
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