The moon caught my attention while driving home from the church one night last week. There was this beautiful harvest moon hanging low in the sky illuminating the path which lay in front of me. A perfect setting for this time of year as Halloween is only several days from now. The days are growing shorter which means the holiday season is upon us. Holidays seem to have a unique way of shaping our thoughts. Halloween, for some, marks the beginning of the holidays. Anticipation grows with the special programming that celebrates the holiday season. One of my favorite shows is “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” which is why I am craving a Dolly Madison snack cake at this moment. I remember watching this show as a young boy when a commercial break would advertise a product from one of the show’s sponsors. Dolly Madison was a sponsor of the show. These snack cakes inevitably looked yummy. Ever since then I have always craved Dolly Madison snack cakes at Halloween.
Another holiday is the day after Halloween. It also invites specific thoughts due to the nature of why it is celebrated. The name of this holiday is All-Saints Day. On this day we celebrate the lives of those who have been instrumental in building the Kingdom of God. Special emphasis is given to those who have passed away since the last All-Saints Day yet included on this day are all of the saints. Fond memories or specific days often come to mind as we remember the person. At times I find myself smiling or even laughing as I get lost in my memories. The void in my life created by death also makes me cry at times. All-Saints Day is a day we remember those people who have shaped our lives. Who is that saint for you? How does this holiday shape your thoughts?
My calling into ministry would never have been possible if not for specific people in my life. Family and friends have played a crucial role in my spiritual development but one person would have a profound effect upon my calling into ministry. Kevin Treu is, in my opinion, a builder for the Kingdom of God. Let me stop for a second and say that Kevin is still alive (I know he will be relieved with this good news). The saints of the church are not just the past but they are the present and future as well. Kevin Treu taught and still teaches the Friends in Faith Sunday school class at Covenant UMC. By profession Kevin is a professor at Furman University. Through his ability to teach my life would be forever changed. One thing I noticed was the joy and passion he had for teaching Scripture. The Bible came alive for me. Kevin did not lecture which could create a passive environment for us but kept us active through open discussions. I found in me a growing desire to study Scripture deeper all the time not just once a year. This desire led me to hear my calling into ministry more clearly.
Imagine no more death or tears or pain. What would that be like? The saints of the church build the Kingdom of God as they help shape our spiritual journey by using their gifts and talents. Each saint has a gift and through that gift the body of Christ grows. The saints do not serve for their own personal glory but glorify the One who will make all things new. God spoke through Isaiah “O Israel, you will not be forgotten by me…return to me, for I have redeemed you”. Those who serve Christ provide a way for the promise of redemption by God to be experienced in a world of uncertainty. No, I am not a saint but I sure hope to be like them. One day I hope I am counted among them. In the mean time lets you and me stand side by side to provide a firm foundation for the good news so others may experience the Christ who makes all things new. Thank you Saints of the past, present, and future.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
Who's on first?
A couple of years ago I was sitting around the house with my son pulling up different videos of comedians on YouTube. Since Jackson is into baseball I thought he would enjoy “Who’s on first” by Abbott and Costello. This particular skit has to be one of the funniest if not the funniest routines I have ever watched. I thought Jackson just might split a seam as he was laughing so hard. After the clip was over he wanted to watch it again.
Costello wants to know the names of the players on the field. If he knows the names of the players then he can greet them personally should he run into the players on the streets. Abbott, the manager, starts the conversation out by saying “Who’s on first, What’s on second, and I Don’t Know is on third base”. Of course the names do not improve as the left fielder is “Why”, the pitcher is “Tomorrow”, and the catcher is “Today”. After some confusion Costello lays out a scenario, which happens to be correct, and fails to understand what he has just said. Somewhere along the course of this confusing conversation the listener may be thinking that Abbott ought to write everything down for Costello. An even better way could be using first and last names. Costello might make the connection that these are the names of the players and not evasive answers from Abbott. To quote the line from Cool Hand Luke, “What we got here is a failure to communicate”. Ever feel this way in the church?
Communication in the church comes across as a comedy routine. One person is asking questions, another is answering the questions, but the connection between the two parties doesn’t exist. When communications break down frustrations eventually start to surface. In the skit by Abbott and Costello I can sense the frustrations of Costello as he feels the answers are saying a whole lot of nothing. Unfortunately, when breakdowns in the church occur, it is not laughter that ensues but frustration then anger then members leaving to go elsewhere. What may have been seen as a promising witness from the church, instead will eventually see the body of Christ cease to exist.
What can we, Church of the Palms, do to avoid communication breakdowns? If and when breakdowns do occur, how can we deal with them in a most positive manner that is reflective of a Christ-like attitude? Robert Bolton lays out some keys to effective communication in his book People Skills. 1) Be genuine. Educate ones elf on issues in order to see the whole picture. This leads to formulating opinions or thoughts yet we share our feelings responsibly. 2) Non-possessive love. We may not like a person yet we love that person anyway. When we love a person unconditionally the anxiety we experience in disagreements seems to go away. Loving without terms or conditions does not mean we develop favorites but is an expression of respect for another person. Unconditional love is the love most likely to be reciprocated by others. 3) Empathy. Put ourselves in someone else’s shoes to gain a better understanding of what that person is thinking or experiencing. Rather than dismissing another person’s thoughts we actually communicate we care about them.
Proverbs 4:23 Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Attitude is everything. While I do not have the answers to solving all the issues we will face in our church I do know together we will overcome those difficult times. As long as we continue to seek God nothing will be too great that cannot be overcome. I look forward to a long and prosperous ministry as we stand side by side witnessing to the Good News of Jesus Christ.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_gSWTQKE-0
Costello wants to know the names of the players on the field. If he knows the names of the players then he can greet them personally should he run into the players on the streets. Abbott, the manager, starts the conversation out by saying “Who’s on first, What’s on second, and I Don’t Know is on third base”. Of course the names do not improve as the left fielder is “Why”, the pitcher is “Tomorrow”, and the catcher is “Today”. After some confusion Costello lays out a scenario, which happens to be correct, and fails to understand what he has just said. Somewhere along the course of this confusing conversation the listener may be thinking that Abbott ought to write everything down for Costello. An even better way could be using first and last names. Costello might make the connection that these are the names of the players and not evasive answers from Abbott. To quote the line from Cool Hand Luke, “What we got here is a failure to communicate”. Ever feel this way in the church?
Communication in the church comes across as a comedy routine. One person is asking questions, another is answering the questions, but the connection between the two parties doesn’t exist. When communications break down frustrations eventually start to surface. In the skit by Abbott and Costello I can sense the frustrations of Costello as he feels the answers are saying a whole lot of nothing. Unfortunately, when breakdowns in the church occur, it is not laughter that ensues but frustration then anger then members leaving to go elsewhere. What may have been seen as a promising witness from the church, instead will eventually see the body of Christ cease to exist.
What can we, Church of the Palms, do to avoid communication breakdowns? If and when breakdowns do occur, how can we deal with them in a most positive manner that is reflective of a Christ-like attitude? Robert Bolton lays out some keys to effective communication in his book People Skills. 1) Be genuine. Educate ones elf on issues in order to see the whole picture. This leads to formulating opinions or thoughts yet we share our feelings responsibly. 2) Non-possessive love. We may not like a person yet we love that person anyway. When we love a person unconditionally the anxiety we experience in disagreements seems to go away. Loving without terms or conditions does not mean we develop favorites but is an expression of respect for another person. Unconditional love is the love most likely to be reciprocated by others. 3) Empathy. Put ourselves in someone else’s shoes to gain a better understanding of what that person is thinking or experiencing. Rather than dismissing another person’s thoughts we actually communicate we care about them.
Proverbs 4:23 Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Attitude is everything. While I do not have the answers to solving all the issues we will face in our church I do know together we will overcome those difficult times. As long as we continue to seek God nothing will be too great that cannot be overcome. I look forward to a long and prosperous ministry as we stand side by side witnessing to the Good News of Jesus Christ.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_gSWTQKE-0
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
The Least of These
Matthew 25:40 And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'
Matthew 25:45 Then he will answer them, saying, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.'
A friend was visiting San Francisco and would have an experience he never imagined. Let me first tell you a little about the city by the bay. Just the mention of San Francisco may cause you to picture some of the places or things it is known for. Ghirardelli’s Chocolate Factory, Haight Ashbury (where the hippie movement started and also known for The Grateful Dead), Alcatraz Prison, and Fisherman’s Warf are a few of the places which come to mind. The Golden Gate Bridge, one of the most famous structures, and the two-level bridge, which collapsed during the 1989 earthquake, are a couple of the things that catch the attention of visitors. Enhancing the experience of these tourist destinations is the unusual weather pattern. No matter what time of the year it is cold. The wind blowing off the bay puts a chill in the air that if not prepared you might be uncomfortable. Nor is this a gentle breeze but one that can make you work to walk against it.
During my friend’s visit to San Francisco, he would come upon another attraction of the city no one likes to talk about. He and some co-workers decided to eat at a restaurant located at Fisherman’s Warf. After they arrived at their destination my friend said he had not expected to see what he did. The area was very crowded on a late July day with strong winds coming off the bay. As he and his co-workers examined their culinary options my friend’s attention would be captured by another person. Amid the hustle and bustle of the people traffic a man was sitting down with his legs crossed. Eye contact was made. Etched in the mind of my friend were eyes filled with despair, hopelessness, and a person shivering from the cold wind. Not one person stopped to help much less offer him a jacket or sweatshirt. This image stayed with my friend as he and his co-workers sat in a warm diner and satisfied their tummies. It is hard to eat when someone else is starving. After they ate my friend approached this man, prayed for him, and then took him to get something to eat.
Often we think of mission work as building structures or going door-to-door handing out pamphlets. Two of the many things encompassed by mission work are taking care of an immediate need and witness for the good news. Actions can provide the necessary platform for a verbal witness for Jesus Christ. During a devotional for a youth baseball team this scenario was presented for discussions. It would be some of the parents who provided unique answers. One parent responded by saying, “Give a man fish and he will eat for the day, teach a man to fish and he will eat for a lifetime”. Another adult reinforced this idea by stressing the most important thing is to witness for Christ. In essence, both adults felt if this man got to know Jesus then he would be inspired to clean up, get a job, and provide for himself. What about physical needs? Yes, during the earthly ministry of Jesus were many teachings about God. Spiritual nourishment was in abundance but Jesus also met the physical needs of others. Mission work involves both spiritual and physical needs. I feel as though the two cannot be separated.
Sometimes mission work is thought of as teams going out into the world. While this is true we should not forget mission opportunities can be individual as well. Think about the story of the woman at the well in the Gospel of John. Jesus was by himself. He did not go back to gather a team then teach about God, no he taught about God right on the spot. The moment we pass through the doors of the church as we exit thus going out into the world remember that maybe a mission opportunity will present itself. If we open ourselves to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we will be made aware, as a congregation and as individuals, of the needs of the community. Mission work is about taking care of the physical and spiritual needs of others. Then maybe, people like the man in San Francisco, will get a foretaste of the Kingdom of God when all of creation is redeemed.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4wojcSO9Ww
Matthew 25:45 Then he will answer them, saying, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.'
A friend was visiting San Francisco and would have an experience he never imagined. Let me first tell you a little about the city by the bay. Just the mention of San Francisco may cause you to picture some of the places or things it is known for. Ghirardelli’s Chocolate Factory, Haight Ashbury (where the hippie movement started and also known for The Grateful Dead), Alcatraz Prison, and Fisherman’s Warf are a few of the places which come to mind. The Golden Gate Bridge, one of the most famous structures, and the two-level bridge, which collapsed during the 1989 earthquake, are a couple of the things that catch the attention of visitors. Enhancing the experience of these tourist destinations is the unusual weather pattern. No matter what time of the year it is cold. The wind blowing off the bay puts a chill in the air that if not prepared you might be uncomfortable. Nor is this a gentle breeze but one that can make you work to walk against it.
During my friend’s visit to San Francisco, he would come upon another attraction of the city no one likes to talk about. He and some co-workers decided to eat at a restaurant located at Fisherman’s Warf. After they arrived at their destination my friend said he had not expected to see what he did. The area was very crowded on a late July day with strong winds coming off the bay. As he and his co-workers examined their culinary options my friend’s attention would be captured by another person. Amid the hustle and bustle of the people traffic a man was sitting down with his legs crossed. Eye contact was made. Etched in the mind of my friend were eyes filled with despair, hopelessness, and a person shivering from the cold wind. Not one person stopped to help much less offer him a jacket or sweatshirt. This image stayed with my friend as he and his co-workers sat in a warm diner and satisfied their tummies. It is hard to eat when someone else is starving. After they ate my friend approached this man, prayed for him, and then took him to get something to eat.
Often we think of mission work as building structures or going door-to-door handing out pamphlets. Two of the many things encompassed by mission work are taking care of an immediate need and witness for the good news. Actions can provide the necessary platform for a verbal witness for Jesus Christ. During a devotional for a youth baseball team this scenario was presented for discussions. It would be some of the parents who provided unique answers. One parent responded by saying, “Give a man fish and he will eat for the day, teach a man to fish and he will eat for a lifetime”. Another adult reinforced this idea by stressing the most important thing is to witness for Christ. In essence, both adults felt if this man got to know Jesus then he would be inspired to clean up, get a job, and provide for himself. What about physical needs? Yes, during the earthly ministry of Jesus were many teachings about God. Spiritual nourishment was in abundance but Jesus also met the physical needs of others. Mission work involves both spiritual and physical needs. I feel as though the two cannot be separated.
Sometimes mission work is thought of as teams going out into the world. While this is true we should not forget mission opportunities can be individual as well. Think about the story of the woman at the well in the Gospel of John. Jesus was by himself. He did not go back to gather a team then teach about God, no he taught about God right on the spot. The moment we pass through the doors of the church as we exit thus going out into the world remember that maybe a mission opportunity will present itself. If we open ourselves to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we will be made aware, as a congregation and as individuals, of the needs of the community. Mission work is about taking care of the physical and spiritual needs of others. Then maybe, people like the man in San Francisco, will get a foretaste of the Kingdom of God when all of creation is redeemed.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4wojcSO9Ww
Thursday, September 30, 2010
The Widow's Offering
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.
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.
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
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