GROWING UP!

Yep, these are the grand kids!  Amazing isn't it?  They are growing up so fast.  This picture was taken on Palm Sunday and miraculously, all four of them chose to smile for the camera.  That is rare, rare indeed.

I realize it's been awhile since I've written a blog.  It's been absolutely crazy busy and I had to prioritize what I should be doing and the blog took a back seat to other responsibilities.  But I thought it would be good to take a moment to jot down a few thoughts.  It's not that life has slowed down - Confirmation Sunday tomorrow including 4 baptisms and 12 joining the church and then heading to Tampa for General Conference on Monday and on and on it goes.  But the fact that the grand kids are growing up so fast reminds me of the responsibility that their parents, their grandparents, and other teachers in their lives have in seeing that they not only mature as young men and women in society, but that they grow up to be mature adults in the faith as well.

I mentioned that 12 youth are being confirmed in the faith tomorrow.  What a great accomplishment!  These kids have come to a point of publicly professing their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.  But that is not the end, only the beginning.  For the rest of their lives will take them from the point of saying yes to Christ, from being forgiven of their sins, to becoming more and more like Christ in all they say and do.  In other words, the rest of their lives will be the process of growing up in the Christian faith, becoming mature in who and whose they are in Christ.

Sadly, so many who call themselves Christian have not been intentional at all about growing in their faith.  Many are satisfied with being comfortable with just attending church as if it is just something they can check off on a Sunday believing that is all that God desires from them.  As a result, they are unable to articulate the meaning of grace, mercy, salvation, sin, or the reason to even know the importance of what these terms mean.  Many can't say the 10 commandments, don't know the four gospels, don't know the difference between Genesis, Psalms, or Matthew, fail to take time to pray daily or read Scripture daily.  Surely one would not last in a secular job if he/she did not know any more about that job after 20 years of being employed.  Yet too often we have persons in our churches who have attended for years and years who know no more now than when they joined the church.  This the reason for so much decline in our churches, especially the mainline churches.

That's why we have worked so hard with these confirmation kids these past 13 weeks - to help them in their Christian growth.  And to challenge and encourage them to continue to grow up in Christ, to mature in the faith.  My grand kids are growing up so fast. I can see that growth each time I see them.  Let it also be true for us as Christians, that each time we would be seen by others, they would know we are growing up in Christ.  Let it be so Lord, let it be so!!

THIS AND THAT!

JUST a few things running through my mind:

• Wow, what a great worship service yesterday as we remembered and celebrated the life of Patricia Ott.  God was definitely in the house!
• Is anyone else out there tired of wind?
• And is anyone else out there tired of award shows?
• Just returned from a weekend team meeting in preparation for the next Emmaus Walk in 2 weeks.  I'm on the music team this go round and my "geetar" fingers are killing me.  Oh, I'm supposed to practice?
• "It's all about the story"  - 'nuff said.
• Ate a huge chicken fried steak today.  PLUS cherry pie.  Life is good!
• Is it true that KSU is scheduling all away games next year?
• Just started the series based upon Hamilton's book 24 Hours That Changed The World.  Guaranteed, if Jesus didn't love us, there is no way He would have journeyed to the cross.
• I'm in need of a grandkid fix - all four of them.  Yep, it's pops and mimi time!
• I saw a picture of a gray haired guy from church today - Yikes!!!  That was me!!  Seriously??
• Yep, ML is still the babe of my life!
• Some big-time moves in our conference this year.  That means there is need for some big-time prayer for the congregations and the pastors as they face big-time transitions.
• I must admit, I like the Direct TV commercials - "Get rid of cable".  
• So glad that Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.  No shortcut to Easter!!

Have a great week folks!!

AMAZING GRACE!

I've been meaning to give you a little update regarding the 21 days of prayer and fasting that we were a part of here at MUMC.  Several funerals, meetings, and "divine interruptions" have kept me from doing so, but I currently have a moment to jot down some thoughts.  So here goes.

I must say, it was definitely a spiritual discipline to set aside time each day during the lunch and dinner hour to come to the chapel and worship, hear from a speaker, and pray with others.  Establishing that as "time set apart for God" was great.  It didn't matter if there were two or a dozen in the chapel, that time was special.  I don't believe I would have experienced the presence of God in the same way without setting that time aside.  What a blessing.  And kudos to you who participated.

The 21 days fast was something I'd never done before.  I was on a liquid diet except for a little fruit each day.  (Remember, I'm a meat and potato kind of guy).  And as I mentioned in the last blog, there were some difficult days - day 3, day 6, and expecially day 18.  I was so ready to throw all fruit out the door.  I wanted a hamburger. But, not eating was NOT  the point.  It was dependence upon God that he would be faithful to sustain and nourish me during the 21 days.  And he held true to his promise.  If there was one thing I learned, it was that God's word is faithful and true and he will always supply our every need.  It was during those times of hunger that I redirected my desire for physical food to that of being fed spiritually - prayer, Scripture reading, worship, meditation.  After all, wasn't that the reason, to be drawn closer to God?  To see and hear clearer?  To be more sensitive to God and what he was doing?

I truly did feel that I had a heightened sense of God's presence - both in my life and in the lives of others.  Those who prayed and fasted shared many of the same experiences of a greater awareness to the things of God, a greater desire to worship, and greater desire to become closer to him.  That was a real blessing.

Many lost weight - a good thing.  Many shut off the tv, set aside their video games, exercised, or replaced bad food with nutritious food.  Some fasted mulitiple meals, some a meal a day, some certain foods, some certain drinks, some sweets and candies.  It wasn't about being legalistic, but about being intentional about setting aside time and space for God.  And you know what, when we do that, God comes through - "Seek and you shall find" Scripture reminds us.

On my own I knew I would never make it.  So each day I reminded myself of Jesus' words,"My grace is sufficient".  And just as he promised, it was so.

 Grace indeed!  Amazing grace!!

(P.S.  - If you took part in the Awakening, let me know of your experience.)

PERSEVERING!

I thought I'd give a little update as it relates to the 21 days of fasting and prayer.  I realize that Jesus reminds us not bring attention to ourselves when it comes to fasting and prayer so I want to be careful that you don't misunderstand the intent of this blog.  I just want to let you know a few things that I am learning and observing as I enter the second week of this spiritual discipline.

First of all, I am very pleased at the number of those at MUMC who are participating in the Awakening.  Many are coming daily to the chapel at noon and at six for a time of worship, a devotion, and time to pray.  It's been wonderful and God has blessed that time together.  I also am pleased about the number of people who are fasting in a variety of ways that God might more intimately reveal Himself to them and to us as we move through this season together.  There are many kinds of fasts taking place - some are fasting from certain foods, some from meat, some from soft drinks, some from TV, some from video games, some from one meal a day, some from sweets - all sorts of fasts.  It's not about losing weight or avoiding a tv show or a video game.  It's about setting aside some time and space to pray and fast - to seek God's face and for Him to reveal himself to us as well as to reveal some things about ourselves to us.  And we are beginning to see that take place.

I decided to go on a liquid fast other than a little fruit in the morning and afternoon.  The reasoning was that I wanted to be a part of something only God can do, because you can be sure I will not make it 21 days on my own strength.  Mainly because I like food.  And thus far, it has been because of God's strength, his sustaining power that I've made it 9 days. 

The first 3 days were tough - stomach growling, wanting to eat, and also realizing that I'd conditioned my body to eat in the morning, at noon, and in the evening, whether hungry or not.  It's "just what you do".  Once I got past the 3rd day I did pretty well until the 6th day.  I almost wanted to give up.  Every commercial was about food, everywhere I looked was a picture of food, I had meetings that were surrounded by meals and snacks, and my thoughts centered on my desire to eat a hamburger.  But it was in those moments that I had to really ask God to strengthen me, to sustain me, to nourish me and through those times I have found that he is faithful. And the more I focus on him in prayer and worship, the more my weakness is exchanged for his strength. 

I've also noticed that I have become more aware of my surroundings, to the things that are taking place in people's lives, to the hurts and heartaches of others.  There is a sharper sensitivity to God's prompting in my life that I might have an impact on others, not because of my strengths but because of God working through me.  And I've also seen that occurring in a few others based upon their reactions and responses to others, as well as their sensitivity to God's speaking to them in prayer.  That's awesome, if you ask me.

The point is, when we find ourselves depending upon God, we realize that we experience the "things of God" and begin to get a feel for his heart, his desire, his will for us and others.  Personally, I know I'm not where God wants me to be as of yet.  That is a journey, for sure.  But I believe I am traveling the right road and am excited where it will lead me.

Pray for me.  I'll do the same for you!

"JUST A CLOSER WALK WITH THEE"

For those of you raised in the church, the words to the title of this blog should be familiar to you.  They come from the hymn of the same name - "Just a Closer Walk With Thee".  We've sung this song for years but I wonder if we really mean it.  After all, do we really want to walk closer to God?  Do we really desire to have a relationship with God where we truly surrender all to God that he might use us as He chooses?  The answer?  If we're honest, sometimes yes, sometimes no.  Can you relate?

With that in mind, we at MUMC are embarking on another journey to be intentional about praying and fasting that we might hear, see, and experience God more fully and more clearly.  Tomorrow begins Awakening 2012 - A New Approach to Faith, Fasting, and Spiritual Freedom.  Our desire is to set aside time or establish sacred space in order for us to be more open to God's working in our lives as individuals and as a church.  It will include some worship and prayer during the noon hour and supper hour each day for 21 days in the chapel.  It will include a devotional that people can use to assist them on this spiritual journey.  And it will involve fasting, yes fasting.  Yikes!  (I like to eat). 

The fasting includes a fasting from food, but not food only.  For some, it will be a juice/liquid fast.  For some, it will be a Daniel fast (fruits/vegetables).  For some, one meal per day.  And for those unable to do a food fast, it will be a fast from tv, from the internet, from facebook, from video games, from cigarettes, etc.  The point is, to set aside time and space from food or activities and replacing them with time with God in prayer, reading, and meditation.  The fast is not so much about what we are giving up but what we desire in a relationship with God.

Honestly, I'm a little nervous because the fast I have chosen will only be accomplished with the help of God.  And yet, isn't that what life is all about anyhow?  We don't exist without God and His work in our lives.  Maybe it's time to get a better grip on what that means.  At least that is my desire.

So, I hope you are going to join me on this 21 day journey. We will need each other to hold each other accountable and to encourage each other.  If you are not part of MUMC and are interested, check out the website at www.awake21.org.  Those of you from MUMC, feel free to contact Brian or myself and we'll attempt to answer your questions.

Yes I'm a little nervous.  But more than that, I'm excited!  Let's rock!  God, do your thing!!

FAN OR FOLLOWER??

While on facebook last night I came upon Amy's blog http://www.refereeofthree.blogspot.com/  entitled Fan Club (check it out).  She referenced a person who didn't have a problem with God.  It's His fan club he/she didn't like.  You can read Amy's response but it got me to thinking. (Some of you can see the various comments on facebook). 

Are we as Christians merely fans or followers of Jesus?  Now, I guess it depends upon how you define the word fan.  If it is defined as an "enthusiastic admirer" then that could become problematic.  So problematic that Kyle Idelman wrote a book entitled Not A Fan because he sees fans as those who merely want to be close enough to Jesus to get all the benefits, but not so close that it requires sacrifice.  A person can admire another person but never invest one's life into following that person.  There are fans who are like that.  They admire their teams.  They go to the games.  They cheer loudly.  They might even dress crazy and jump up and down and wave their arms.  But when the going gets tough, when the team begins to lose, when it's cold and rainy, when things go south, their support is "fair weather" at best!  I don't think that is what Jesus wants from us, just to be admirers, just to be a part of his "fan club" when all is going well.

Now if fan is defined as an enthusiastic "follower", that is a different story.  It is like the sign that is staked into the ground at the outskirts of the local high school football field.  It says, "No spectators beyond this point".  Exactly what Jesus is saying to us.  "I'm not looking for spectators.  I'm looking for followers - enthusiastic followers".  The difference is when we commit to follow Jesus, we move ourselves from the stands to the playing field.  And when we "play" for Jesus, we find that the playbook includes denying self, picking up the cross, and "following me".  It includes sacrifice and surrender, words we don't often like to hear. 

Like I told Amy, I don't want to get all caught up in semantics - fan or follower, because it depends upon one's definition of a fan.  I've known sports fan who have not missed a game for years, no matter what, to support their team.  And yes, I realize that going to the game and sitting on the sidelines and cheering wildly is not the same as putting on the uniform and "going to battle".  However, it would behoove us as Christians to share the same passion for Jesus as many "fans" have for their teams.  For in reality, when we have a passion for Jesus, we can be nothing less than enthusiastic followers of Him.  

Traveling to Bethlehem!

Since the first Sunday of Advent, we at the MUMC (and many others) have been traveling together on a spiritual journey that has been taking us from Nazareth to Bethlehem.  We have been reading Scripture in conjunction with the study entitled "The Journey" by Adam Hamilton from the Church of the Resurrection, that challenges us to take a fresh look at Joseph and Mary and the circumstances that they faced as they were chosen by God to be the earthly parents of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.  As we have taken a closer look at the culture and the context of the day, I must say that I have thoroughly enjoyed the material.  It has been enlightening, challenging, convicting, and reassuring to say the least. I don't know about you, but this has probably been one of the best Advent studies and sermon series I've ever been a part of.  For those of you who have been on the same journey, I hope you can say the same.  Take a moment to ponder upon the following questions or thoughts:

• How many people would be upset if we held an"historically correct" Christmas pageant?
• Did you grow up in a town more like Nazareth or Sepphoris?  What difference did that make with regards to the way you relate to Mary and/or Joseph?
• Did Mary really want to be Mary?
• Did Joseph really want to be Joseph?
• Do you think they had a choice?
• Coincidence that the root meaning for Nazereth means branch?  That Mary would have drawn living water from the well in Nazareth and Jesus offered "living water"?  That Bethlehem means "house of bread" and Jesus was known as the bread of life? 
• Can anything good come from Nazareth?  Bethlehem?
• Dreams, dreams, dreams - ask Mary, ask Joseph!  What about your dreams?  Does God speak to you in dreams?
• What do you think Jesus learned from Mary and Joseph while he was growing up in their home?
• Do you really believe "Emmanuel", God is with us?  Especially when you find yourself on a most difficult journey?  Sometimes we can just get mad or blame God and forget that God really "is with us".
• Contrast King Herod with Joseph - "Here I am God, notice me" as opposed to "Here I am Lord, use me". 
• Mary needed Elizabeth just as much as Elizabeth needed Mary.  Think about that.
• Can you imagine the stories that were shared when the pregnant Mary and Elizabeth sat down the first night after Mary arrived?
• A huge difference between having joy and being happy!
• No room in the "inn"?  Do a word study on "inn" and see what you find.
• Do you suppose Mary wanted to take the journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem knowing she was soon to give birth?  We all take unwanted journeys.  Let us not forget "Emmanuel"!!!!!

Keep moving forward.  We're in this thing together!

A LITTLE "THANKSGIVING" HISTORY

Thought it might be good to be reminded of a little history as it pertains to our Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday.  We are a blessed people!  Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

 

Abraham Lincoln's Thanksgiving Proclamation



Washington, D.C.
October 3, 1863

By the President of the United States of America.
A Proclamation.

The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle or the ship; the axe has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consiousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom.

No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People.

I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the City of Washington, this Third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the Unites States the Eighty-eighth.

By the President: Abraham Lincoln

IT'S ALL ABOUT COMMUNICATION!

It's a crazy world we live in these days.  The days of the rotary phone, party lines, long distance, hand written letters, and other forms of "antiquated" communication are virtually over.  Now we have e-mail, Facebook, Myspace, Ipads, Iphones, and Skype, to name a few.  At times I long for the "good" old days, but the ability to immediately connect and communicate with almost anyone, anywhere, is pretty convenient.  Not to mention, it's kind of fun.

For example, last Wednesday evening was the Country Music Awards show.  I was home in the evening for the first time for several weeks so I decided to watch.  It only took a few moments until one of the entertainers came out from behind the curtain wearing a "dress" that looked like she'd got a deal from a used carpet store.  It was awful.  Instinctively I grabbed my smart phone and checked facebook to see what people were saying.  And pretty soon it turned into an evening of sideline commentary on facebook from yours truly, my brother, my cousin, and a bunch of friends.  It was a hoot!  More entertaining than the CMA show itself.  Yep, it was crazy.  Who'd a thunk it even 10 years ago?

Here is another example (a better one I might add).  Today I had an opportunity to respond to questions from an evangelism class at the Perkins School of Theology on the Campus of Southern Methodist University in Dallas via Skype.  Dr. Steve Rankin contacted me, one of his students connected a computer to mine, and thanks to Skype, they were able to see and hear me on a big screen and I was able to see and hear them on the screen on my computer.  How crazy is that?  And how awesome?

Scripture reminds us that we are always to be ready to give an account for the hope that is within us.  We are also reminded to preach the Word; being prepared in season and out of season..even if that season means the sharing of the good news via audio and video on a computer.  And I wonder if the great commission of going into all the world includes the use of modern technology to communicate the good news of Jesus Christ to others?  I would say "yes". 

I thoroughly enjoyed the hour I spent with the students as I responded to their questions regarding evangelism from the viewpoint of a pastor in a local church.  And based upon their responses, I believe they enjoyed it as well.  Yep, it's a new day but it's a good day! 

Oops, gotta go.  My facebook page is blinking at me.

A "CONVENIENCE" SAVIOR?

As I was reading and reflecting on Scripture this morning I found myself observing the way people responded to Jesus.  Everyone seemed to be looking for a Messiah, a Savior, but in accordance to what they believed a Savior should be.  For most, a political, military ruler who would come riding in on a white horse, sword in hand, and destroy the rule of Rome.  Few were thinking of a Messiah who was going to come in humility and servanthood, be crucified as a common criminal, and be killed by the authorities as he was nailed to a cross.  That just wasn't the way it was supposed to be.  Besides, it wasn't convenient to be a follower of Jesus.  "Pick up your cross and follow me?"  You just might get killed.  Doesn't sound too convenient to me.

But isn't that what we've made Jesus to be?  A convenient Savior?  I mean really, we all want a Savior don't we?  We all want to be saved from sin.  We all want to be forgiven of our misdeeds.  We all want to be put right with God.  We all want to experience God's love.  Yet, when push comes to shove, how much do we really want Jesus to "intrude" in our lives?  We like when we are in control.  We like to do things our own way.  When things are going well, do we really need Jesus anyway?  But what about those other times?

How quickly do we suddenly turn to God when things aren't going so well?  When our marriages are falling apart, all of a sudden we look to Jesus (or at least a Savior of some kind).  When we face a life threatening injury or our health fails, we turn to Jesus.  When our kids make a wrong decision or we make a wrong decision that has dire consequences, we turn to Jesus.  Even when our car breaks down on the highway, all of a sudden we are praying to Jesus. 

Is it really about convenience?  I've heard that word a lot lately when it comes to worship, to personal time with God, to reaching out to others in need.  "If we just offer a time to worship when it's convenient, everyone will be happy".  "I'll take time to pray and study when it's convenient and fits into MY schedule".  "I'll take time to love my neighbor, as long as it is convenient for me". 

Was it convenient for Jesus to empty himself of his divinity and squeeze himself into flesh to come to us a babe born in a manger?  Was it convenient for Jesus to be mocked and laughed at and scorned, even as he was healing the sick, giving sight to the blind, touching the untouchables, and forgiving sins?  Was it convenient for Jesus to be whipped, beaten, and nailed to a cross on our behalf?  I don't think so. 

I think we must be very careful when it comes to playing the "convenience card" as it relates to what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ.  If it was all about conveneience, Jesus would never have left heaven on our behalf.  Thankfully it was all about his great love for each and every one of us, that he was willing to give of his all on our behalf that we might be saved from sin, that we might have life, abundant life, both now and for eternity.  And it was and is all about a relationship with God that is not based upon when it works best for us or when it doesn't.  It's about saying yes to Jesus to be our Savior every minute of every day, not just when we "need" him. 

I want to encourage you all to think about your relationship with Christ.  Life is too much of a roller coaster ride to sporadically call upon Jesus only when life is falling apart.  Jesus wants so much more for you and your life - joy, hope, confidence, assurance, blessings, and of course, right relationship with God and with each other. 

Don't forget, Jesus turns to each and every one of us, just like his followers in Scripture and says, "Follow me".  He did not add the words "if it is convenient".  JUST something to ponder.