JUST US!

Saturday we had a little family get-together here in Mulvane. Todd, Eric, and I celebrate birthdays in October so we had a little birthday party. Right after lunch we went to a local park and had our pictures taken by a woman from our church. She did a great job, especially working with 4 grandbabies and the Kansas wind. Thanks Chele.


Here's the four grandkids. ML is holding Addy. I am holding Aubryn. Brayden is in the middle and Owen is on the right. They are a blast to have around. And to think - 2 boys and 2 girls! Pretty amazing!

Yep, here we are - Just us! All together at one time - a miracle. Todd and Melissa are on the left with Owen and Aubryn. Eric and Andrea are on the right with Brayden and Addy. Kyle is in the middle between ML and Andrea.

ML and I are so blessed with our kids, their wives, and the grandkids. We love them dearly and are very proud of each one. But the greatest blessing is knowing that each one of the boys and their wives have made Jesus their Lord and Savior of their lives. They are all involved in their local churches and are serving in various ways. To know that we are not only family on this earth, but that we will always be together in eternity because of our faith in Christ is truly a reason to rejoice! So, praise the Lord for family! And "double" praise the Lord for helping us come to grips with what Joshua proclaimed in Scripture, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!"

"....AND THEY RECOGNIZED HIM!"

A milestone was reached this past weekend as 41 women completed the 100th "walk" of the Bread of Life Community Walk to Emmaus in Wichita. What an incredible story to think that over 3,000 men and women have taken part in the 72 hour spiritual journey with Christ from all over the state of Kansas (and other states as well). For those of you who are unaware of the Walk to Emmaus, (in a nutshell) it is a Thursday evening to Sunday afternoon gathering of men (one weekend) and women (the next weekend) who come together to be challenged, restored, renewed, and encouraged in their faith in Jesus Christ with the intention of not only strengthening individuals, but strengthening the local church.


As one who has been involved in countless walks and am now the community spiritual director, I have seen lives and churches transformed as a result of what God has done through the Walk to Emmaus. And as is always the case, this happened again these past 2 weekends. Men and women experienced God's grace in ways never before experienced. They experienced God's love through times of fellowship, times around the table, various talks given by both laity and clergy, times of worship, and times of invitation to the Lord's table. And to hear the testimonies of those who participated - well, once again God did His thing. What a blessing!



I am so thankful for those who were sensitive to the Holy Spirit back in 1987 to charter the wallk in the Wichita area. I am grateful for their persistence, their energy, their patience, their endurance, and their love for the Lord to see that this movement would carry through and carry on. And yes, here we are - 100 walks later. Incredible!



As I mentioned last week, I am seeking to discern those areas that I need to set aside because of my busy schedule. And to be honest, I was considering stepping down from my role in Emmaus. But God affirmed to me through various circumstances and through the voices of many people this past weekend that I am to continue to lead the Bread of Life Community. I have experienced God's working in my life through Emmaus. I have seen lives - men and women - transformed because of Emmaus. I have seen and experienced what Emmaus can do to transform the life of the local church as well. So, with that being said, I commit myself to serving the Lord in this capacity until the Lord tells me differently.





To you who have gone through the walk - De Colores!! To you who will be participating on the future, let me know your desire and I'll be sure and get you a sponsor for the next walk or one down the road. The next walk? 2011 in Garden City, Kansas. Men's walk - March 3-6. Women's walk - March 10-13. Looking to experience God? Take a walk - a walk to Emmaus.

THIS AND THAT!

Hi folks. It's been a little while since I've been able to do this here blog thing. Busy as all get out! Since I returned from the high country I've hit the ground running. A couple of funerals, several meetings, preached a 3 day revival, was sick, my mother-in-law's 80th, my 52nd, did this, did that. But, God has been faithful. Very thankful. Here's a few thoughts. I encourage your comments.

• I began a series preaching on the vision that God has given our church - "Inviting ALL to experience the life-transforming love of Jesus Christ". Last week I preached on being very intentional about us inviting others to church to experience God and what He has in store for them. This week I will speak on the invitation offered to ALL!. Stay tuned.

• Enjoyed getting together with ML's family in Marion on the 2nd for her mom's 80th birthday celebration. A good time was had by all. Lots of fun- games, food, laughter, food (did I already say that)? We too often take family for granted. It's God's blessing!

• Just bought another couple of books by Francis Chan. Crazy Love and Forgotten God. Pick up a copy of each. But beware - you will be challenged and convicted. Good stuff.

• Watched K-State get hammered by Nebraska last night. Wow! Big time F on the fotball grade card. Still shaking my head (thus the neck ache).

• Preached a 3 day revival in Peabody. Aulne joined forces. God was in the house. Great participation and wonderful response to the "invitation" to come and leave the junk of life at the foot of the cross. Had the opportunity to pray with many folks - many issues. The time was sweet. Unfortunately, the third night is really when you get a feel for what is going on in the lives of the people. Need to take a few more nights. I plan to do a follow up after the first of the year. Thanks to ML and some of the Mulvanites who showed up Monday evening. (It was a nice b-day present). Also stayed at my folks 8 miles up the road during that time. That was special.

• Praying for some friends who are going through cancer. It really stinks. However, God is faithful. Will we be faithful to support and pray for those who are struggling? Will we be the church or just "go to church"?

• ML and I went with a sunday School class from church today to the Carriage Crossing in Yoder for lunch. Wow, I am still stuffed - fried chicken, mashed potatos, corn, home made bread, coconut cream pie. Oh yeah! Not to mention some great fellowship. Thanks to the Crusader/Phoenix class.

• A couple of dear saints from the church passed away and I officiated their funerals these past 2 weeks. We have all been blessed and impacted by the lives of Mary Croft and Dolly Pittman. Thank you Lord for their lives.

• I could use your prayers. Trying to sort out those things that are merely "good" in contrast to those that are "best". I can't keep this pace and remain effective for the kingdom.

• I'd appreciate your thoughts on any of the above or anything else because I am trying to determine if this blog is something that needs to continue or go into hibernation. Let me know.

• Have a great week!!! Blessed art thou!

ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH!

Just returned from the annual (give or take) elk trip to the high country. As always, God outdid Himself regarding the beauty of the area. The weather was great. The scenery was awesome. And the time away was priceless.

It was a little tough on me as I arrived in the mountains with a head cold. And for the first time, I succumbed to the altitude and got sick for the first day or two. However, that did not keep me from getting around to climbing the ridges to pursue the elusive big game animal known as "the elk". It took me a few days to get my feet under me but it was worth it.

The elk were definitely active. If you've never heard a bull elk bugle, you're missing out. They were getting after it, trying to impress the ladies. Here's the kicker. The rest of the guys got to see the show ( the elk running here and there, etc.). Me? I was always at the wrong place at the right time - in other words, I didn't get an elk, nor did I ever see one. But my brother has it all on video so the proof is in the puddin'. Hopefully I can get some of that to show on a future blog.

As I have mentioned before, if I get an elk, great!. But even if I don't, it's till great!! The joy is being up in God's creation away from the hectic pace of the everyday activity of life. And this year I especially enjoyed the time away with my brothers, Randy and Rod, and my buddies, Craig and Bill. The fellowship with them on the drive to and from the mountains, riding horses here and there, walking the ridges, sitting around the fire, scouting the mountains and the meadows, eating the good grub, and laughing and carrying on was fantastic. You can't put a price on that.

God blessed our time. He kept us safe. He watched over our families and friends while we were gone. He met us in the midst of His creation. Until next year...................................

MONDAY MEANDERINGS!!

Just a few thoughts before I make my way west for the annual elk hunt:

• Casting Crowns concert last Friday evening. Not just a concert but an incredible worship experience. Their music is deep. Check it out!!

• Football season has begun. I love it. But, I wonder how much time I'll waste watching a game when I should be doing something productive. I know, I know...priorities.

• Reading Christian Atheists by Craig Groeschel. Ouch!! (But good stuff)

• Think about this statement - "God is not fair". Do we really want God to be fair? If so, what are the implications?

• David Crowder band - "Afflictions eclipsed by glory" from the song O, How He Loves Me.
  Meditate on that awhile. Wow!

• Jesus was more concerned about people than rules. Crazy, huh?

• In the midst of working on the budget for the upcoming church year. How will we balance faith and actual resources on hand? What do we believe God is asking of us? What steps of faith will be needed to join God in what HE is doing?

• If we are the body...........................

• Getting ready to experience God in His great outdoors. Elk hunting with my brothers and buddy Craig in the high country of Colorado. You all have a great week and I'll catch ya later....................................................................maybe.

• JESUS IS LORD!!

JUST wondering!

Hmmmm......... I find myself reflecting on some conversations and some experiences that occurred just yesterday and ask myself, "God, what are you up to?" As I have mentioned before, it is important to pay attention to what is happening around you, me, us, for as we are sensitive to those "happenins" we just might see God at work. We just might hear God speaking to us. We just might be the recipients of God's desire to do something in our midst. Let me share some things I observed yesterday (just one day, mind you).

• A young man has moved to town and attended worship yesterday. He has no vehicle. He walked more than a mile to get to church. He seems to have a desire to worship with us, to pursue this thing called "Christianity", to join the church, to join a Bible study. There are a few dynamics involved. My question. How will we respond? How welcoming will we be? Is anyone willing to provide him with a ride to and from church? Hmmm...

• A family showed up during the greeting time of one of our services. They mentioned to one of our greeters that they had no clue what to do, what was going on, where to go, etc. But yet, here they were, looking to worship with us. Yes, a few dynamics involved in this situation as well. (Where aren't there dynamics?) Again, for some reason God drew them to come and worship with us. And again, our response? What it going to be?

• A new family in church came to me and mentioned their desire for their children to be baptized and for them as parents to join the church. Asked about how we could go about that. I'm all over that. Exciting? I should say so! SO!!

• I received a FB message from a person who is hungry for more of God, for more of his word, for a deeper faith. Wanted to know if I could offer some assistance in some material, maybe a deeper Bible study. Some things had happened "coincidently" in the past couple of days and as a result, there is a deep desire to grow in the faith. Again, very exciting!!

• I received another FB message also requesting for their children to be baptized. AND they asked about sharing a testimony about God's work in the midst of their family's situation. How awesome is that? Let the redeemed of the Lord say so! SO!!

• And then (yes, all these examples are just from yesterday), a person pulled me aside who does not go to church but began to ask me the questions that most people want to ask but are afraid to do so. You know, the "God" questions. As a result, I will be meeting with this person later this week to continue that conversation. I may not have all the answers but I am willing to listen.

I say all of this because God is up to something, He is doing his thing and as Lorna said yesterday, "do you not perceive it?" Now I find myself "JUST wondering" what it is that He is inviting me, inviting you, to be a part of. I don't know about you, but I believe God is checking us out to see if we are really going to be the church, not just go to church. I've gone to church all my life. I'm more interested in being the church. Anybody with me???

REQUESTING GRACE

Hi all,


I planned to have a blog up and runnning today that highlighted my grandson's 3rd birthday as well as some of the Old Settler's Day events, including the worship servcie in the park. But alas, some conflicts today. So I hope to have something for you by Wednesday night. Out of town tomorrow for some meetings. Until then, check out amynelsonmom.blogspot.com. She'll bless you.

A PREACHER'S PRAYER

Lord, on this day I am reminded that it is so easy to lose focus of what you really desire for me and for the church. The busyness of each day, the expectations of others, my own expectations. I find myself often asking, is this what you really want - to push paper around, to research and implement new programs, to be the designated referee, to merely put out the latest fire, to be so consumed by what our culture calls "church" that at the end of the day I ask "what just happened?" I know the answer but Lord, I find myself asking, 'Who is going to visit so and so in the hospital, who is going to lead this meeting or that meeting, what about that marriage falling apart, what about these kids who know very little if anything about Jesus, what about a realistic understanding of the church? Lord, the church is your idea and is your way to reach a lost and dying world with good news, with hope, with purpose, with joy, with life, life to the fullest. I think I get it, but I often feel trapped because of what we've made church become - a building on the corner where we gather with our friends and family to "go to" church. But Lord, is it something we "go to?" Isn't it something we are supposed to be - a body made up of men and women, boys and girls who claim Jesus as Lord and Savior and then are commissioned to invite others into that same relationship? Are we just getting in the way of that with all the stuff? Am I getting in the way with all the stuff? Lord, there are some great things that are happening, I don't deny that. But, I so much desire to experience YOU more and for others to do the same - to truly experience how your love can transform lives. Isn't that what it's all about? Last night I was reminded of the statement that says"Lord, break my heart with the things that break your heart." I don't want my heart to break over the things that don't matter. Make my heart break over the things that do. That's my prayer. Thankfully you can make sense of it, even if I can't.

PR

ON A MISSION!

Just returned from our mission trip to McCurdy school in Espanola, New Mexico. McCurdy is a private school that is related to the United Methodist Church and provides education to children from pre-school through high school. It is located in northern New Mexico and is in a county that has over 18% unemployment and has a median income of roughly $29,000, far below the national average of 41,000. The community is affected by drugs, gangs, and violence yet McCurdy is a light on a hill that shines in the darkness. The public schools have a drop out rate of 53% while McCurdy proudly boasts of a 0% drop out rate. Very remarkable. The graduates go on to college and many become very successful in their careers and vocations.


God really blessed us while we were there. As I have mentioned lately, a change of pace and a change of place changes one's perspective. As a result of our trip, we once again were reminded of how blessed we really are. We have so much and take so much for granted. Sadly, it often takes a trip like this for us to keep things in perspective. 10 adults and 7 youth gave of their time and worked hard this past week - painting, mopping, waxing floors, pulling and digging weeds, fixing doors, fixing a roof, moving furniture, cleaning, cooking, etc, etc.. We worked hard but it was worth it. I was reminded of the verse in Luke where Jesus said he came not to be served, but to serve. And that was what we did. We served, knowing that we would probably never ever see the students that we were helping. But it was very satisfying, that in some small way we became the hands and feet of Christ, reaching out to others in need. It was good, very good. Thanks to all for your prayers. God definitely honored them!

Sorry about the dark pic but I wanted you all to see the staff of McCurdy gathered in prayer in preparation for the new school year which was to begin today.

Each night we had a time of singing and devotions - a blessed time.

Is Carl really having that much fun??

Here we are, all 17 of us. Quite a group, huh?

Help!! I'm being attacked by the desk monster!

GOD MOMENTS!

This has been a great week to experience God at work - those "God moments" where you know that you know that you have experienced God in a special way. Let me give you a few examples if you don't mind:

I mentioned the Kansas Christian Ashram last week. The "Big Two" led us - Dennis Wallace as the evangelist and Steve Rankin as the Bible teacher. God really used them - incredible! Dennis spoke to us from the book of Nehemiah with regards to Passion - the drive that burns within us to do what we do as Christians. He spoke of our need to be passionate, the source of passion, the power of passion, and the slayers of passion. Bottom line - no passion, no ministry.

Steve challenged us to grow in our faith as Christians due to the fact that we find ourselves stuck in the Peter Pan syndrome - never wanting to grow up. Spiritual maturity is not just about following the rules, knowledge of the Bible, knowing theology, or merely practicing spiritual disciplines. It's about becoming fully what and who God designed us to be. It's about embodying the attitude and actions of Jesus. It's about moving beyond religiosity and living in a way that allows others to see that loving God and loving others is our priority. To settle for remaining in a childlike faith is not an option. (I've got the notes and the Scriptural passages to go with them if you'd like).

Of course the Cross Focus praise team did a marvelous job in leading us in worship. What a blessing. It was not just about performance, but about entering the throne room of God. Thanks!

Sunday was another blessed day as I was able to baptize a beautiful little girl named Rachel. her dad had just returned from serving in the military and he and his wife wanted Rachel baptized before returning to Virginia Beach. What a joy to be a part of what God is already doing in the life of that little one. And then 3 person made their vows to become members of the church. Just another joy to covenant together to pray for each other and hold each other accountable as we continue on the journey of faith.

So, as you can see, God is definitely doing his thing. His Holy Spirit is alive and well and if will just get out of the way and submit ourselves to his will, we will experience the things of God that will increase our passion, mature us in the faith, draw us into the throne room, and draw us closer to each other as the family of God. Praise the Lord! Can I get an Amen?? Let the redeemed of the Lord SAY SO!

Comments anyone???????

(Next week I will be in New Mexico on a mission trip. If able, I will send some reports. Keep me in your prayers).

KANSAS CHRISTIAN ASHRAM 2010

Today Lorna, (our lay ministry coordinator, ML, and I head to Sterling for a few days to participate in the 2010 Kansas Christian Ashram. The Ashram is a family camp and disciplined time for Christian fellowship and learning. It began under the influence of E. Stanley Jones, a missionary to India. Ashram is a Hindi word meaning "away from hard work" thus it encourages us to get away from the grunt and groan of everyday life to get away with God and His people for a time of spiritual learning and refreshment. And in the midst of our time together, the central theme of the Ashram will be "Jesus is Lord!"


This year our Bible teacher will be Steve Rankin, the current campus minister and chaplain at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. The evangelist will be Dennis Wallace, senior pastor at Asbury UMC in Wichita. Yes, a couple of heavy hitters!! Top notch, I can't wait.


The picture above was of me preaching at the 2004 Ashram. What a privilege it was. This year I am excited to be one of those who will glean from the teaching and preaching by Steve and Dennis. Maybe you all can join us next year. You can be sure you will be blessed!


Jesus is Lord!!!


PS - Jo - see you there???

BELIEVE IT OR NOT!

Our vision team has been reading and studying a book by Craig Groeschel entitled It- How Churches and Leaders Can Get It and Keep It! It's a great read and has helped guide us in some of our decisions regarding the focus and direction for our church. I was given another book by Groeschel from Todd and Melissa for Father's day entitled The Christian Atheist - Believing in God but Living as if He Doesn't Exist.


Now I havn't read the book as of yet but am very intrigued by the title because it's something I've been thinking about for some time. Do we really believe all that we proclaim when it comes to our faith? Do we really believe in miracles? Do we really believe that God can heal? When we set a budget at church, is it based upon what we believe God desires and wants to do or is it based upon our human limitations? Do we believe in the transformation of lives? Do we believe in the power of the Holy Spirit? Do we believe that God will supply our every need (not wants)? Do we believe that God will empower us to do his work? Do we believe that God answers prayer?


Our lives tell the story. What do our lives say about what we proclaim? Honestly, I've been a Christian atheist before. Probably still am in certain areas in my life. And if you are honest, you can relate. I do know one thing. I want to live a life that reflects what I proclaim to believe. How about you?


I'll read the book and give you my thoughts later. Until then, I choose to believe!

TUESDAY TWEETING!

I'm not sure about this tweeting thing that has swept across the country (or world). I barely can deal with the Facebook thing. But since it's Tuesday and I couldn't think of a "t" word to go with Tuesday, I just came up with tweeting. So there, sue me if you must. But here's a few "tweety" thoughts for you to ponder:

• I read this past week that instead of being frustrated with closed doors, it might behoove you to approach them as divine detours. Think about that!

• I think I am really going to like this grandpa thing. Oh yeah!

• I'm so glad I can talk to my kids about the things of God, the church, spiritual growth, etc. Isn't that the way it's supposed to be?

• Surprised by some friends from out west who came to visit us at church last Sunday and then went to lunch. Bound by the cords of God's love - great to see you Jack and Lois!

• Did I mention elk hunting is only 2 months and 3 days away? But who's counting?

• Guy's advice - don't ever answer your cell phone if you happen to be shopping with your wife and you see it's your buddy calling. Just let it go to the the voice mail!

• Picked up another book entitled theChristianatheist by Craig Groeschel that lifts up the concern of believing in God but living as if He doesn't exist. Hmmmm..........................

• This Sunday - a baptism, 5 persons joining the church, and some testimonies by the youth. Can I get a witness? I should say so!

• God's doing some wonderful things. As I was reminded this past weekend, "Step up, step in, or step back." I say let's step up and step in and get after it! Ya with me?

• So, what's happening in your world? What's God up to in your arena? Let me know. See ya!

MIXING IT UP!

Sunday during worship I mentioned a book entitled Wild Goose Chase by Mark Batterson. Actually ML gave me the CD version and we spent some time listening to it while driving last week while on vacation. It's a great book that speaks of the Wild Goose as a metaphor for the Holy Spirit and that there is a great adventure in "chasing" the wild goose. Batterson speaks of 6 cages that get in the way of our experiencing all that God so much desires for our lives as Christians. The cage of responsibiliy (or irresponsibility), routine, assumption, guilt, fear, and failure. These are areas in our lives that act like cages, little prisons, that can make us innefective believers.

The "cage of routine" jumped out at me. Often we don't realize it, but pretty soon we find ourselves doing the same ole, same ole. We get in a rut of doing the same thing on Monday, then on Tuesday, then on Wednesday, etc. etc. Next we end up just going through the motions without even realizing it and therefore we miss out on what God is doing or what He wants to do in and through us. Thus the need to mix it up a little.

Batterson mentioned the need to change the pace and change the place so that you can change the perspective of what's going on around you - specifically what God is doing around you. For instance, you can go to church week after week, experience the same order of service each and every week, sit in the same pew or chair, sing the same songs in the same order and pray the same prayers. Order and routine are good, but not at the expense of missing out on experiencing God.

So...... why not go on a mission trip, go on a spiritual retreat, attend a Christian conference, go to church camp. Bottom line? Change the pace, change the place, and gain a new perspective of God's desire to work in your life. Experience God in a way that is fresh and exciting because you stepped out of the box a little. Get out of the routine and experience the adventure God has for you.

What say you? Are you willing to mix it up a little? The same ole same ole is..............well, the same ole same ole. Get out of the cage of routine and chase that wild goose. You won't be sorry!

THE BIG "D".

We've been in Dallas a few days spending time with our friends the Rankins. Also, have been able to spend a little time with Kyle and Molly so it's worked out real well. On Tuesday we went into Dallas and toured the 6th Floor Museum from where Lee Harvey Oswald shot President JFK. It was rather surreal to be standing on the same floor and see the window from where the gun was fired to kill the President. It was a self guided tour using a headset to guide a person through the ordeal. The above picture was taken from my phone and is the location where Kennedy was shot as you look back toward the building. The end window on the right on the second floor from the top is where Oswald shot the gun. A rather tumultuous time in our history. People looking for peace then, people searching for peace now. Only one offers that peace - Jesus!

This is a picture of Kyle and a girl named Rachel working with a group of kids at the Casa Linde UMC in Dallas. His group numbered around 20 and they were in the midst of "Deal or no deal". Kyle's theme for the week was game shows and he used that theme to teach kids about God's love. He is loving it, as is his girlfriend Molly. A great experience for both of them. It is a joy to see our kids in ministry. Makes a dad proud. Planning on seeing Kyle and Molly again this evening if it works out on the campus of SMU. We'll see how it goes.

Dallas - a great place to visit but wouldn't want to live there. See ya!

MONDAY MEANDERINGS!

• Great worship yesterday! Invited people to "bring the sacrifice of praise" into the house of the Lord! Hand waving, hand clapping, standing up and praising the Lord expressive kind of worship. Ah yes - good stuff!

• Also, "be still and know that I am God" kind of worship. Sweet!

• World Cup Soccer - Scores like 0-0, 1-0, 1-1???? Really???

• ML keeps telling me to quit griping about the humidity. UGH!!!

• 3 months til elk hunting - but who's counting?? Unfortunately I didn't draw a bull tag, only a cow tag. Pass the anti-depressant. Sad, so sad. Thought I was a shoe-in this year.

• If the Big 12 loses 2 teams , does it become the Big 10? And if the Big 10 gains 2 teams, does it become the Big 12? College sports - ruined by greed!!

• Went fishing with my dad and brother last week. Ask me about the one that got away! Should have thrown the net on the other side of the boat. A good time none-the-less.

• Wheat harvest has begun in the area. (rain has stopped it for now). Reminds me that the fields are ripe for harvest but the laborers are few.

• How many cats roam the streets in Mulvane? Too many!

• Did I mention that I like cherry pie?? And thanks to you who have given me advice where to buy a good hamburger.

• So, what are you reading lately?? Me? Extravagant Worship by Darlene Zschech.

• Busy week this week - getting ready to go on vacation, but first, a wedding (James and Susan) on Saturday.

• Jesus is Lord!! Amen??? Amen!!!

THE HATED "A" WORD - ACCOUNTABILITY!

Proverbs 27:17 says this, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man (person) sharpens another." Last week there was a request to blog on this verse so here we go. In America we find ourselves in a very individualistic culture where "it's all about me", "leave me alone", "it's none of your business". Well, I beg to differ. As Christians, my business is your business and vice versa which then gives us license to hold each other accountable. Now as you all know, that can get a little dicey from time to time because accountability can be perceived as judgmental which then leads to arguments, fighting, even a break in relationship. Yes, there are times when we do become judgmental and that is not healthy. But, there is nothing wrong with a good face to face "discussion" when there is cause for concern. We owe that to each other if we really love and care for each other.


If you notice the picture above, there is a hammer, there is some serious heat, and there will be some reshaping that will take place. The very fact that the words "iron sharpens iron" are used implies some pain, some grunt and groan, some "ouches". But, the intent is to becomer sharp, to grow in maturity, to acknowledge some areas of fault that need to be ground away to become smooth. And often it takes someone to bring that to our attention, or for us to bring it to someone else's attention. That's the accountability that we have to each other as Christians and once we submit ourselves to that, we find that we really do grow and become sharper that we might be used by God in a more efficient way.


I've been involved in some pretty good battles over the years. There has been the sound of iron clashing against iron at times. At times, it has been very productive. At times, well let's just say that either I or the other person(s) chose not to be sharpened. The problem comes when we don't learn from it. I've always said that some of my greatest fights (accountability moments)were with my brother Randy. But he's part of my family and I still love him and will go to bat for him any day. The same holds true with those who I've sharpened a little steel with in the past. And yes, I still care deeply for each of them.


The bottom line is we need each other. It's Jesus' idea that we are to be the "body" of Christ, not the "body part". It's no fun to give yourself a hug - it takes two. And it takes each one of us to be there for one another and yes, hold each one of us accountable. In doing so we become sharp together. Get the point??

PRIORITIES!

Okay, in the latest newsletter I challenged the congregation to be careful of vacationing from church this summer. Not to avoid a vacation from work, but from taking time away from gathering together as brothers and sisters in worship. So often people see summer as a time to worship when it is convenient for them as opposed to making it a priority to set time aside to "bend the knee" before the Creator of the universe. A priority is understood as anything that takes precendence over something else because it is deemed as more important (my definition). Unfortunately, worship often takes a back seat to the many activities that take place during the summer - sports, going to the lake, camping, yard work, or just plain sleeping in.


Now, before you get upset with what I am about to say, hear me out. I love sports. My boys played in sports in junior high, high school, and college. But in the same breath, I hate sports because of what its done to our kids. It has gone from a once in a blue moon game on Sundays to an every weekend affair - basketball, football, baseball, soccer, you name it. And the age of the kids playing are younger and younger each year. Sadly, the church has quietly watched as the once "sacred Sunday morning" has given way to the "I've got a game this Sunday" mindset. And because the church has failed to say that worshiping the Lord together is a priority, the children come under the belief that going to church is "what we do when there is nothing else going on". And then we wonder why the youth have no concept of God's love, his mercy, his justice, his grace, his forgiveness, his call to obedience. It's because our priorities are skewed.


I am not naive enough to believe that a ball game on a Sunday will cost a person his/her salvation. What I am talking about is placing God first in our lives and taking a stand, even if "all the other kids do it". I just know that my oldest son was on a Legion team and other teams in high school and after high school. But the coaches knew that Sunday mornings he would be in worship and then would join them later. (Yes, there were some times he was gone). The coaches knew up front that church was important and they honored that decision. I realize that not every coach or manager would be as gracious, but priorities are priorities, no matter how others perceive them.


Like I said before, I love sports, I love fishing, camping, things like that. But I love the Lord more than all of these. I know that one day I will stand before the Lord and be held accountable. I also know that the only thing that will matter will be my relationship with him through faith in Jesus. I yearn for him to say "well done, good and faithful servant" which would reflect my priority of making Jesus Lord of my life. It won't be my batting average, how big a fish I caught, how well I water ski, or how well I can kick a ball. It will be about relationship with Christ and whether I responded in obedience to his call to "worship him in spirit and in truth".


Ah yes, priorities. What say you?

NEEDED- COMMENTS!!!

Okay, here's the deal. I started a blog 3 different times tonight and ended up deleting each one. So, it's up to you. You choose the topic. I'll blog. it's that simple. So click on the "comments" below. Write your thoughts. Give it time to post and then I'll respond.


As my grandpa would say, 'Praise the Lord, anyhow!"

NEXT WEEK!

Sorry folks - no blog this week. Annual Conference in Salina. I shall return!