Impressed By Some Young Group Leaders

Earlier today, I saw several young people—they appeared to be teenagers—who were working with a small group of special needs students.

They brought the special needs group on an outing to a restaurant.  It looked challenging.  As I watched them interact and watched the young group leaders attempt to maintain order among the special needs students I thought, “Bringing this group to a restaurant and trying make it an enjoyable experience is a pretty bold move.”

At one point I walked past the group and three of the student group leaders—again I’m guessing they were teenagers—were calmly holding one of the special needs students on the floor.  Are you picturing this?  There were four people literally lying on the floor.  In fact, they initially caught my eye because I thought, “Wait a minute!?!  Are there people lying on the floor over there?”

The answer was:  Yes, what you see are people lying on the floor.  And they appeared to be waiting out some type of episode.  My eyes met with the eyes of one of the young people and she smiled as if to say, “Don’t worry.  We’ve got it under control.”

After a few moments they were all able to get back on their feet.  There was no yelling or screaming.  No panicked behaviors.  It seems they were just doing what they had been trained to do.

There was an older adult who was with the group, as well.  I’m guessing he was probably in charge of the teen group leaders.  I was impressed by what I saw.

After they left, I looked again at the area where they were sitting and I don’t think I can put into words exactly why this is the case but my heart felt warmed, encouraged and lifted.

The Lord Examines Our Motives -- Audio Podcast

Proverbs 16:2

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Some People Don't Like Religion... But They Like Jesus

From time to time I hear people say, “I don’t like religion, but I like Jesus.”  I think what people mean when they say this—at least, some of the people who say it—is this: A person can be very religious and still miss the main point.  This is the kind of thing that Jesus, himself, talked about when he chastised the religious leaders in His day.

Someone might ask, “Well then, what is the main point?”

The main point—not the only point—according to Jesus was this:  Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.  And love your neighbor as yourself.  [Mark 12:30]

If we are religious but we don’t genuinely love others the way Jesus calls us to love others, we are missing the main point.  When this happens we end up with people saying, “I don’t like religion, but I like Jesus.”

Last Night's Dream... But I'm Ready To Go

Last night I had one of my recurring dreams.  In the dream, it is Sunday morning and people are gathering in the sanctuary.  The church service will be starting very soon.  But I’m in my office, at the church, trying to get dressed. 

(I don’t know why I’m getting dressed in my office at the church.  I’m just reporting to you how the dream works, I’m not claiming that it makes sense.)

There is a feeling of tremendous frustration because I know that I need to be in the service, I have a role in the service.  And yet I can’t quite get dressed.  Specifically, I’m having great trouble getting my socks on.  Because there is an urgent time element, I try to dress faster but trying to increase the speed only makes the struggle worse.

In last night’s version of the dream I finally got dressed and rushed out of my office only to realize that I have to go to the restroom.

So, I dashed into the restroom.  Then I woke up.

But even though I was awake and the dream was over I still felt some residual anxiety from my struggle in the dream.

I mention all of this because I want to assure everyone I am at the church fully dressed and I am excited because I believe God is going to do something wonderful today. 

I’m wearing socks (which I was able to put on relatively quickly) and I’m ready to go!

The Importance of Good Advice -- Audio Podcast

Proverbs 15:22

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From Morning News To SpongeBob?

While I was having breakfast this morning I flipped around the TV dial to a couple of morning news shows. 

Three different “news” stories—within the course of about 10 minutes—made me frustrated and dejected.  Part of my sadness had to do with the actual stories.  And part of my sadness had to do with the sorry state of what is supposed to be “objective news reporting.”

So, I decided:  “Hold on!  There’s a better way of handling this situation.”

I switched the channel to a riveting episode of SpongeBob Squarepants.  And you know what?  I feel more cheerful, I’ve had a good chuckle, and I sense I’m even a little better informed than I would be if I had stayed with the “professional journalists.”

Maybe it’s just me, but I’m also beginning to notice some interesting similarities between Washington, D.C. and Bikini Bottom.

A Woman Who Was Flustered

I was waiting for Rachel, standing outside the restrooms at Walmart. A woman approached me and she had something in her hand.

She said, "What do you do on Sunday mornings?" And as she was asking me the question she extended a couple of pamphlets to me. The pamphlets explained Christian teaching on a couple of topics and they functioned as invitations to the church she attends.

I smiled and said, "Well, I'm tied up on Sunday mornings because I'm a pastor of a church."

It was fairly obvious she wasn't expecting that response. She stammered and smiled and looked like she was about to say something then changed her mind. After some verbal stumbling she finally said, "Well, you can go ahead and come on by anyhow."

I realized she knew that was a silly response on her part. She was flustered because she hadn't been given any training on what to say in the event that the recipient of the pamphlets turns out to be a minister.

I said, "I think my congregation would be a little confused if I told them I was going to possibly start attending another church on Sunday mornings."

We both laughed.

I said, "Do you want your pamphlets back?"

She said, "No, you can...um... well... why don't you... or... that is... you can hang on to them... um... in case you change your mind."

As she walked away I waved and thought, "She's still flustered."

A Pretty Good Conversation

The conversation went something like this…

One guy said, “The problem with Christians is that they are intolerant of other people and other religions.  They think they are right and everyone is wrong.” 

My friend smiled and said, “It sounds like you think you’re right about this and Christians are wrong.” 

The other fellow paused, thinking, and then he chuckled and said, “Okay, that was pretty good.”  And he changed the subject.

Tribute To Guitar Legend Johnny Winter

I was 18 years old and I was driving home on a beautiful Saturday afternoon in the summer.  As I flipped through the radio dial, I landed on the eclectic Chicago radio station, WXRT, and was immediately mesmerized by the fiery guitar lines I was hearing.

“Who the heck is playing guitar like this?” I wondered.

The song that was playing is the one I have attached to this post.  I was floored.  Thrilled.  Impressed.  Excited.  Inspired. 

                                           Click here to play song. 

It was a long song and as it continued to play I was laughing and shaking my head saying, “This guy is killing it!  Who is this?!?”

As the song came to an end I thought, “Please let the DJ mention the name of this artist or the title of the tune.  I have to find out who this is.”

The DJ said, “That was ‘Highway 61 Revisited’ from the album ‘Johnny Winter Captured Live.'”

Johnny Winter.

I later discovered that Rick Derringer is playing on the song as well.  (He’s not half bad, himself…. And he has one of the best rock and roll names, ever.  Rick Derringer.  That sounds like the name of a hot shot guitar slinger, doesn’t it?  I tried to get my parents to change our last name to Derringer.  You can imagine my shock when they wouldn’t do it.)

I quickly went and purchased the album and became a fan of the legendary blues/rock guitar virtuoso.  I was learning to play guitar.  (I’m still learning.)  And someone who played like Johnny was an encouragement and an inspiration to me.  This kind of guitar playing is literally a thing of great beauty that moves my heart.

So, you will understand I was sad when I woke up this morning and learned that Johnny has died.

This post is my tribute to a phenomenal guitar player who was one of my early profound musical influences.  God bless you, Johnny.  Your gift was truly special and exquisite.  Thank you for the many hours of enjoyment and inspiration your extraordinary music has given to me.

Learning To Savor Life

Life goes quickly.  So, we need to savor and appreciate the priceless relationships and experiences that money cannot buy.

We all know this to be true. 

Yet we often get caught up in the busy routines, the hurry, and the practice of juggling multiple experiences without genuinely paying significant attention to any of them.  When this happens, it’s almost as if we miss portions of our lives even though we were physically present as they happened.

(Have you ever missed experiences by being physically present but not mentally and emotionally present?  …Yeah, me too.)

I’ve struggled with this just like everyone else, but here are four things that have helped me a bit over the years:

Remember that it’s okay to say “no” to some of the requests for our time that come up.  I don’t do this well, but I’m getting better.  (Not a lot better, but a little bit.)

When we are faced with a choice between cool stuff (material things) and meaningful experiences, it’s usually wise to make meaningful experiences the priority.

It helps when I regularly enter into quiet, stillness and solitude with God.

Finally, when you’re with someone, really look at the person.  Pay attention to him/her.  Be fully present with him/her.  (I know this is blindingly obvious.  But we don’t always do it.  So, it must not be quite as obvious as we think it is.)

By the way, please know that I’m not trying to preach at anyone, I’m just sharing some thoughts I hope will spark our thinking and, maybe, offer a little help.

Real Love Is More Than "What's In It For Me?"

If you think you love someone and yet your basic inclination toward the person is: what can he/she do for me?  There’s a good possibility it is not real love you are experiencing.  When we really love a person that love will often involve some measure of service and sacrifice on our part.  

A Moment With Jasper And Lucy - Video

This brief video shows how Jasper and Lucy roll!

                                     Click here for video!

Choosing To Flee From Temptation

It’s interesting to think that Jesus was tempted but that he did not sin.  When we are tempted, we can dwell on the temptation.  We can nurture that temptation and, in a sense, move toward it.  If we do that, at a certain point, we cross a line and we enter into sin.  On the other hand, we can experience temptation—just like Jesus did—but we can choose to flee from it.  With God’s help, we can choose to replace it with something good and right and healthy instead.   But remember, we choose.  We participate as willful agents in our response.

“Lord, help us, today, to walk in your ways and to do what is right.”

Peer Pressure And Political Correctness Are Stifling Discussion

There is a very effective cultural peer pressure in our society that is stifling discussion and disagreement with the politically correct positions on various subjects.  Sadly, this cultural peer pressure has a suffocating effect on true freedom.  So, courage is needed to speak truth and stand for what is right.  

“So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the LORD!”  Psalm 31:24

Being Open To Life

When we avoid doing things that enrich our lives and help us grow because of fear, we are—in a sense—avoiding life.  Jesus promises to be with us, so that we don’t have to be afraid.  This is part of how He offers to open up life to us.

Photo With A Mystery Man

I received a text message a few moments ago from my brother Cam which included the photograph attached to this post.  There are three people in the photo, Cam is on the left, Cam’s son Kyle is on the right and a man in the middle.  The photo was taken today at a wedding reception.

Cam’s text message said, “Does the man in the middle remind u of anyone? Met him @ a wedding today.”

The answer to Cam’s question is an emphatic “YES!”

The man in the middle of this picture bears an uncanny, almost eerie, resemblance to our dad who passed away several years ago.  In fact, if Cam sent the picture and did not tell me the details I would simply assume that the man in the middle of the photo was our dad and that the picture was taken a few years ago while he was still alive.

I don’t know who the mystery man is but as I’ve showed the photo to various family members it has given us all something fun to talk about.

(NOTE:  I wanted to be able to finish this post by writing that the mystery man walked away after the photo was taken and no one on the bride’s side or the groom’s side, or for that matter, none of the guests at the wedding could identify him.   And he was not seen again for the rest of the evening.  That would have been fun, wouldn’t it?  Oh well, maybe the next time we encounter a mystery man…)

Having A Spirit Which Prizes Liberty

“Our defense is in the preservation of the spirit which prizes liberty as a heritage of all men, in all lands, everywhere. Destroy this spirit and you have planted the seeds of despotism around your own doors.” Abraham Lincoln

Lincoln believed there is a “spirit which prizes liberty” and, based on the quote above, he apparently understood that this spirit isn’t automatic.  It is something which must be intentionally preserved.

Long before I was ever born there were courageous people in this country who possessed this spirit which prizes liberty.  They spoke of liberty, wrote about it and argued eloquently for it.  Some of these folks even fought and sacrificed for it… and, thankfully, they continue to do so.

Liberty is a form of self-determination and freedom that carries with it responsibility.  I pray we will continue to accept that responsibility.  I pray we will make an effort to preserve the spirit which prizes liberty (and I include myself in that prayer).

Liberty is a big deal.  And I suspect it is possible for people not to appreciate how wonderful it is until they no longer have it. My heart is grateful for the liberty that has been an incredible part of my life experience in this remarkable country.  I hope yours is, too.

And I hope you have a safe and happy Independence Day!  God bless America.

The Strength of the Servant

When we think of Jesus on his hands and knees washing His disciples’ feet, our reaction tends to be, “That’s not right!  Jesus shouldn’t have to serve, He’s the one who should be served.”  

If we feel this way, it reveals that we don’t have a proper understanding of servanthood.  To serve others is not a negative thing, it is not an indication that the servant has no power.  Actually, to serve others is good, it is godly.  The person who gladly serves others because of the work of God in his/her life is revealing strength and the assurance that comes from knowing the one who is All-Powerful.

What About The Pants On The Ground?

I was walking into a store past a motorcycle parking area and I saw a motorcycle.  That did not strike me as unusual.  But on the ground, next to the motorcycle, was a pair of pants.  That did strike me as unusual… and a little bit amusing.

Did someone take off his pants before he went into the store?

Was he walking around the store, right now, without his pants?

Should I go into the store and have them make an announcement?

I imagined the loud speaker in store:  “Would the pant-less owner of a pair of green pants please report to the customer service desk?  Your pants have been found.”

I realize finding a pair of pants on the ground probably doesn’t amuse everyone else as much as it amuses me, but sometimes it’s the little things that bring a smile to my lips and a brief moment of joy.  So, I pulled out my phone and stood there taking a picture of the pants.

As I was doing this a man walked past, saw the pants on the ground, saw me taking a picture of the pants and said, “Is everything alright?”

I looked up, slightly embarrassed, and said, “Yeah, I’m okay.  I’m just taking a picture of these pants.”

He stared at me with a look that I would describe as a “this-guy-must-be-a-weirdo” expression on his face and walked quickly away.

I did not ask the store management to make a “your-pants-have-been-found” announcement.  I figured if the pant-less guy has made it this far he must have things under control.

(…Or the police have already picked him up.)

Doing The Right Things For The Right Reasons

Even after a lifetime of being committed to Christ and over 20 years as a pastor of a church I still find I have to carefully, honestly and soberly question my own heart and motives.

One of the truths I encounter in these times of reflection is that I am capable of doing right things for the wrong reasons. For example, I can look back now at right things I have done but recognize I did them, at least in part, out of selfish ambition; my motive was self-promotion.

You might say, "So what? If you did the right thing that's all that matters, isn't it? Who cares about your motives if what you wound up doing was right?"

God cares.

Because He loves me, the Lord Jesus wants congruency and integrity in every part of who I am.

You say, "Well, that's just overdoing things, isn't it?"

No, congruency and integrity is part of what must happen if we are to be conformed to the likeness of Christ as described in 2 Corinthians 3:18.

So yes, God wants me to do right things but He is perfect, complete and holy, therefore, He wants me to do the right things for the right reasons.