I'm Going To Stop Complaining Long Enough To Be Thankful

Sometimes I grumble and complain. It’s embarrassing to admit but I’m just being honest. I realize this complaining is part of being human but that doesn’t make me less embarrassed about it. Often the complaining does not happen verbally, rather it is an internal complaining to God which happens when I conjure up ideas in my mind of how things in my life are supposed to be.  (I know this sounds insolent but, fortunately, God is even patient and kind with punks like me.)

But if I stop and think carefully I realize I am actually blessed in many ways.  Furthermore, I have been the recipient of many blessings I never earned and do not deserve.  In other words, God has been very gracious to me.  I’m not just saying this, it is the truth.

I write this respectfully and lovingly hoping you might be able to recognize that in spite of life’s problems—very real problems—God has been gracious to you, too.

I've Been Thinking About Heaven

A day is coming for all of us when we will make an extraordinary transition.  Our life will end here in this earthly realm, however, I am totally convinced our existence will not cease.  In the book of 2^nd Corinthians this is written about as being absent from the body and present with the Lord.  (See 2 Corinthians 5:8)

Pierre Teilhard de Chardin was writing about the concept that we have a non-material soul and put it this way, “We are not human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having a human experience.”  That is a simple but profound statement which deserves our thought.

I’m writing these things because heaven has been brought to my attention, lately, through some of the interactions I have had.  (I’ve noticed that as I get older I think about heaven more frequently, as well, for somewhat obvious reasons.) I am grateful for this earthly life, it is a wonderful gift and I love it (especially the parts involving chocolate), but I am also grateful that I have assurance in my heart about what comes next.

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians 3:1-2

Is That For Here Or To Go?

It happened again.

I walked into a fast food joint all by myself.  At the counter, I ordered over $18 worth of food.  This included a jumbo hot dog, a double-cheeseburger, a bowl of soup, a large order of cheese fries, some drinks and an extra-large pizza.

The clerk said, “Does that complete your order?”

I said, “Yes, it does.”

(Okay, I’m just kidding about the extra-large pizza, but I’m serious about the other stuff.)

The clerk said, “Is that for here or to go?”

At this point in the story I’d like you to pause and allow that question sink in for a moment.

“Is that for here or to go?”

I remind you that I was standing at the counter all by myself.  In other words, the clerk looked me over as I stood before her and thought there was a possibility I would stay at the restaurant, sit down at a table and eat this entire order.

I can’t wait to tell this story to my cardiologist.

Can We Stand Firm When We're Not Being Applauded?

Ministers, like all other people, desire applause.  I include myself in that statement. Sometimes, however, the cause of Christ will not be applauded.  Ministers [You know what? It’s not just ministers, make that all Christians.] have to be ready to stand for the cause of Christ when it is not being applauded by the culture in which we live.  My prayer is that I/we will be able to do so.

The Long Slow Line

Rachel and I went to an annual children’s Halloween event called Spookview which is held at the park district building by our house.  I’m relatively certain this event is specifically designed to provide kids with some Halloween fun and to cause me pain and a mild degree of torture.  At the event we got into a very long line that was advancing at a snail’s pace while waiting for what basically amounts to a short ride around the park district property on a golf cart.

(Yes, I’m known as something of a thrill-seeker!)

At one point, I told Rachel, “Stay in line.  I’m going to run to the bathroom.  Don’t lose our place in this long, slow line.”

She nodded her head and said, “Alright.”

When I returned to the line I did not see Rachel.  I looked around in every direction thinking, “What’s going on?  Where is she?!?”

Then I heard her walking up behind me.

I turned and, pointing to some picnic tables, she said, “I was just sitting over there until you came back.”

I sighed deeply and we got back into the long, slow line again… at the very end of the line.

I’m happy to report that we spent forty-five minutes standing in line for a 3 and a half minute ride on a golf cart involving an outstanding view of my backyard.

Thrill seeking.

The Joy of Serving Others

Most of us feel some resistance to the idea of serving people because we have been conditioned to believe that one of the primary objectives in life is to rise to levels of prominence which ensure that we will be the one who gets served rather than being the one who serves. Surprisingly, though, serving others turns out to be one of the ways in which we genuinely experience purpose, joy, meaning and satisfaction in life.

“For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don't use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.” Galatians 5:13

Canadian Parliament Shooting - Thankful For First Responders

A reporter shot some video footage, looking down a large hallway, inside the Canadian Parliament Complex, today, as multiple shots by a gunman (gunmen?) were being fired. In fact, as the sound of the shots ring out it is apparent that the person stops holding the camera for the correct framing and ducks for cover behind a wall.  It is compelling video.

I was impressed—as I was watching this footage on the news—by the law enforcement officers, with guns drawn, running down the hallway toward the sound of the shooting.  Most people would, wisely, be running away from the sound of the gun play.  These folks were running toward the sound of the gun play.  Oh, I realize they are trained to do this and it is their job, however, it is still a remarkable action.

I felt thankful, once again, for the tremendous men and women who respond on behalf of the safety of others during these types of emergency crises.

It's Really True That Money Can't Buy Happiness

Research has shown that after a person achieves a certain minimal amount of money—basically enough money to pay the bills and not be in constant financial stress—having additional money beyond the minimal amount will not significantly increase the person’s happiness.

So, think of it this way:  If you live a fairly comfortable middle class type of lifestyle and you are not in a position in which you are constantly worried about whether or not you will be able to pay your bills, then winning a $100 million dollar lottery might bring some temporary happiness—and a few more toys—but it is unlikely that it will significantly increase the joy and happiness you experience in life.

“It is good to have money and the things money can buy, but it’s good too, to check up once in a while and make sure you haven’t lost the things money can’t buy.” 

(Origin of quote unknown)

Failure Is Part Of Growth And Development

In order to perform at a high level we have to be willing to try things we haven’t been able to do before. This is uncomfortable and puts us in a position where we might fail.

Most of us have been trained to see failure as something to avoid or to cover up. This view of failure makes us reluctant to even try. I can look back and recognize that there have been many times in which this has been true for me.  I have been reluctant to try certain things because trying meant failure could happen.

It is helpful for us (this includes me) to remember that failure is part of all significant growth and development.

“While the best methods of development are constantly changing, they’re always built around a central principle: they’re meant to stretch the individual beyond his or her current abilities.”  Talent Is Overrated, Geoff Colvin

Love Involves Risk and Vulnerability

If we really love others we are doing something that is risky and vulnerable. 

I know that comment seems cynical.  I don’t intend for it to be taken that way.  I’m simply expressing a reality of life.  There are risks and vulnerabilities involved in loving others because people are imperfect.  Sometimes we hurt each other.  Sometimes we irritate each other. Sometimes we misunderstand each other.  Sometimes we do things that make others genuinely angry.  More painful still, sometimes we extend love and it is not returned.

Followers of Jesus are called to go ahead and love others, despite the risk and vulnerability.  In fact, it’s strange to think that the most perfectly loving person who ever lived was executed.

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”  Colossians 3:12-14

Houston Demands That Pastors Turn Over Sermons

At first I thought a post I saw regarding this matter was a joke but it appears to be true.  The city of Houston is demanding that pastors turn over sermons and other communication related to a city legal matter that is called the “bathroom bill.”  I’ve attached a link to this post which provides additional details regarding this story.

Part of me thinks: I wish people at City Hall wanted to go over my sermons. I’d be mildly excited at such a development.

But another part of me thinks about these questions: Does the city government of Houston believe it has the authority to control what a pastor says at the church?  What leads them to believe they have the authority to control what a pastor says at the church? Is this how governments begin to exercise control over churches?

I know this is fairly obvious to point out and there are many potential situations in which this would be much easier said than done, however, I’ll say it, anyhow:  A pastor is called by God and the first priority of the pastor is to be obedient to God. This involves—among other things—lovingly, honestly, responsibly preaching and teaching the truth of God’s word.

If being obedient to God gets the pastor in trouble with the government—and I do not say this with bravado, I say it with deep concern and seriousness—then the pastor must be willing to deal with those consequences.

Click on this Link for article with further details.

A Fall Harvest Adventure

                                       Click here for video!

It's Not A Cop Out To Trust God

I realize it can sound like a cop out to say, “Trust God.”  But I don’t use the phrase to suggest we should quit trying or quit thinking about solutions to problems.  However, there are things we can do and things we can’t do.  There are things we can control and a whole bunch of things we can’t control.

As I was watching the news this morning there were two key stories receiving a lot of attention.  One story had to do with ISIS, which affects many people under the broad category of terrorism activity.  The other story had to do with the Ebola virus, which seems to have the potential to affect more people than might have otherwise been reported. As you know, it is already classified as an epidemic in West Africa.

Both of these front page news stories are a good example of issues over which most of us have very little control.  And there are many other issues of life we do not control, as well.

I’m not writing this to make us feel hopeless or scared and I am definitely not trying to make us feel like victims.  I do not like the tendency of our culture to encourage a victim mentality. I’m just pointing out basic realities of life.

So, for me this statement is not a cop out.  It has to do with a fundamental truth of my existence:  I choose to trust God.

“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”  So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”

Hebrews 13:5&6

We Are Not Properly Prepared To Handle Ebola Virus

The errors we have seen with the handling of Ebola in Dallas suggest that U.S. hospitals are not properly prepared to deal with the virus.  Meanwhile, Dr. Frieden of the Centers for Disease Control continues to insist that things are under control and there is no serious threat.

Really?

This is sounding more and more like the kind of talk we are supposed to hear from someone in his position who has been instructed to make sure people do not panic.

Preventing panic is a good idea.  But honesty along with wise and careful response is a good idea, too.

The response of our government should be to put procedures and protocols into place that will provide the best level of protection for our health care professionals.  If this means that travel into the U.S. from certain areas has to be more carefully scrutinized then this may have to be what is necessary, at least until this threat is better understood, prepared for and contained.

Oh The Fun of Getting A Pie In The Face

Several hours ago I took multiple whipped cream pies to the face along with a few of our loving and courageous youth leaders as part of a youth fundraiser at the Oktoberfest picnic.

(I now know that whipped cream smashed into both ears does affect the ability to hear. So there was some important scientific data that was obtained from the experience.)

Even though hours have passed since the event, I still have a lingering smell of whipped cream all over along with the feeling of sugar in my hair.

Even though hours have passed since the event, I still have a lingering smell of whipped cream all over along with the feeling of sugar in my hair.

…Good thing I’m planning on taking a shower on Wednesday, that's for sure!

Come Out To Oktoberfest! ...And Bring Your Beard

Yesterday, I began working and concentrating very hard and the good news is I managed to grow a

beard like the one in this photo for our Oktoberfest today!  Whew!!! I didn’t know if it was going to be possible, or not, so I’m pretty happy. 

(Some people get very nervous about the things that make me happy.)

If you’re saying, “Oktoberfest?!?  What Oktoberfest?!?”

It’s the Oktoberfest at our church today, Sunday, October 12^th.  And you’re invited!  Come on out and join us.  The Oktoberfest happens following the 11 o’clock service.

First Church of God

4600 W. 111^th Street

Oak Lawn, IL

Service times: 9am and 11am.  Oktoberfest follows the 11am service.

Sometimes Minor Issues Are Not Worthwhile

It’s easy for people who take their faith seriously to get into arguments about minor religious issues that are not worth fighting about.  Obviously, it is perfectly acceptable to debate certain issues.  And if the issues can be discussed without unnecessary anger it might even be helpful.  Also, it is important to remain committed to the truth. 

But when minor issues that are not essential to the faith tear apart relationships and genuine love for each other is compromised then arguments about minor issues have become unhealthy, unproductive, and not worth it.

The Greater Contribution Comes From The Development of Gifts and Talents

I believe it will be of greater benefit to focus more on the development and utilization of our strengths than trying to improve the areas in which we are weak.  This is not to suggest that weak areas should be completely ignored it is simply recognizing that our greatest contributions are more likely to come from those areas in which we can genuinely excel.

“Never, never ever no matter what, give up on mining the gift and talent you’ve been given. These are qualities that will open the doors to the infinite possibilities of your life.” Ron Rubin & Stuart Avery Gold

Someone Treated Me The Way Jesus Would Treat Me

Many years ago, I made yet another dumb mistake and hurt a friend I care about.  Sadly, my mistake could have been interpreted as intentional.  It was not.  I was simply acting in a thoughtless manner.  (By the way, I realize thoughtlessness does not involve any virtue, but I’m trying to indicate that what I did was not malicious.)

I was embarrassed, angry at myself and just plain weary of doing foolish things. 

The person’s extraordinary response to my foolishness?  Kindness and forgiveness.  This is, obviously, much nicer than what I deserved.  It is humbling—in a good way—to have a human being treat you the way Jesus would treat you.

God's Love Alive In Us

Jesus says something that can be very hard for us to live by.  He says, “Love your enemies!” And, “Pray for those who persecute you!”  The capacity for anyone to love in this extraordinary way has to do with God.  This kind of love is only likely to happen when God is alive in us.  So then, it is His love at work in us and through us.  In a way, what Jesus is saying is that we are called to the privilege of being agents in this world of the unfailing love of God.

Rachel Is Willing, At Age 25, To Come Out of Retirement

Rachel just told me she would be willing to come out of retirement to work in the modeling industry.

I said, “Do you want to be a model?”

And she said, very emphatically, “No way!”

She would, however, be willing to work behind the scenes.  She would help the models apply their make-up and make costume changes.  She would even be willing to play video games with them during their down time.

Since she doesn’t drive or take public transportation on her own, they would have to arrange things in such a way that they would come to her but, come on, that seems like a fairly minor inconvenience.

So, I just wanted to keep you folks in the loop on these recent developments.

Cultural Churches or Counter-Cultural Churches?

The following is excerpted from an article by a man named Ed Stetzer. Ed is an author and is President of an organization called Lifeway Research which is a consulting organization for churches.

What is written is his opinion—based on polls and other research—regarding Christianity in our culture. I found what he wrote to be interesting and so I’m sharing it here. The rest of what you read is quoted from the article written by Ed Stetzer:

“It is beginning to cost something to be a Christian in America—not as much as in many places in the world or in much of history, but more than it used to. And, as living for Christ costs more in our culture, it will mean more in our context.

Churches that are preaching the Gospel and are focusing on biblical truths are going to become more clearly distinct from the culture around them. The end result? Robust Christian communities are going to get stronger.

These gospel-preaching churches will have members who are more, not less, committed and these committed churches will have less nominal Christians [Christians in name only] in the years to come. Christianity will become more of a minority in culture, but more refined, more biblical, and more missional churches will be the result.

Where From Here?

The lasting effects of these shifts will force churches to make a critical decision. They will either become a cultural church that allows the societal trends to dictate their ever-changing beliefs. Or they will become a counter-cultural church that faithfully adheres to Scripture and proclaims the gospel in a carefully considered way. The latter church will offer real hope in the midst of an adversarial culture and is the only real future for the American church.”