The main focus of my "pay it forward" participation (at the beginning of September) was at the Starbucks around the corner from our church.
"Pay it forward" is where you or I pay for someone's meal or purchase as a token of love and servanthood - with the idea that they will "pay it forward" to someone else.
It's been almost three months - and it is still talked about at the Starbucks with those who work there.
I drove through the drive thru today, and the server there told me this story:
She said that someone else this week came through the drive thru at Starbucks and told her that she wanted to pay for the person behind her.
When she asked, "how much," the server at Starbucks said it was over nine dollars.
The woman in her car said something like, "really? What did they get?" And then decided not to pay for the person behind her.
The server at Starbucks complimented me for my paying for the people behind me (last September) no matter what the cost - and she said, "the world would be a better place if everyone were like you."
Now, it's not me she is talking about personally - but simply the idea of reaching out and helping someone in love.
May we all reach out this week with a verbal word of encouragement or an actual action of love.
Just a thought for a Wednesday.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Geese, unity and encourgement
I am sitting here in my office on a late Tuesday afternoon, paused, and caught the sound of geese flying above our church building.
Honk, honk, honk.
We have a lot of them around us this time of year, mainly in the field next to us.
When I hear that sound, I go back to the illustration of encouragement and unity that I have used for years.
Geese fly together in a "V" formation.
They do that because it actually gives them 71 percent more efficiency in their flight and journey. When one goose is in trouble, two leave and join the one goose until it can get back up in the air again. They're committed to each other.
We all need encouragement from time to time and we all need to give encouragement to others (what goes around comes around).
Encouragement, it is said, is like peanut butter on bread. If you spread it around, it just helps things stick together better.
Can I ask you to do something this week? Encourage someone around you - whether they "deserve" it or not.
Just a thought for a Tuesday.
Honk, honk, honk.
We have a lot of them around us this time of year, mainly in the field next to us.
When I hear that sound, I go back to the illustration of encouragement and unity that I have used for years.
Geese fly together in a "V" formation.
They do that because it actually gives them 71 percent more efficiency in their flight and journey. When one goose is in trouble, two leave and join the one goose until it can get back up in the air again. They're committed to each other.
We all need encouragement from time to time and we all need to give encouragement to others (what goes around comes around).
Encouragement, it is said, is like peanut butter on bread. If you spread it around, it just helps things stick together better.
Can I ask you to do something this week? Encourage someone around you - whether they "deserve" it or not.
Just a thought for a Tuesday.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Thoughts from the weekend
Thoughts from the weekend:
Great, I mean a totally wonderful Thanksgiving Day with my family!
Debbie out did herself with the meal that she prepared. Delicious! Spectacular!
The Dallas Cowboys won - barely.
Had a great time playing basketball with my nephews and my brother and dad.
Watched Debbie's favorite movie - Elf.
I love listening to Debbie laugh as she watches "Elf"
It was wonderful "hanging out" with George, Becky, Christie, Andrew and the two grand kids.
My grand kids are perfect - but aren't they all?
I love to go in and pick up Kinley (the 4 month old) right after she wakes up. She is a true jewel.
Her smile simply melts me.
Georgia is fun to listen to as she articulates her feelings. She is always, I mean always on the go.
It was fun spending most of the day on Saturday with Becky - Go Michigan State!
Rainy day for a football game at Northwestern - but we still had fun.
I am proud of all of my children - and love them very much.
Had a wonderful service yesterday with great crowds in both services for a Thanksgiving weekend.
God is on the move in our church!
Thankful for all the guests who came yesterday - I would encourage all of our church family to reach out to them.
Throughout the ups and downs and victories and defeats of life - Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever.
I have a wonderful, caring, loving wife.
I enjoy worshipping with God's people.
Leftover turkey sandwiches with mayonnaise and pickles - nothing better.
Love you all!
George
Great, I mean a totally wonderful Thanksgiving Day with my family!
Debbie out did herself with the meal that she prepared. Delicious! Spectacular!
The Dallas Cowboys won - barely.
Had a great time playing basketball with my nephews and my brother and dad.
Watched Debbie's favorite movie - Elf.
I love listening to Debbie laugh as she watches "Elf"
It was wonderful "hanging out" with George, Becky, Christie, Andrew and the two grand kids.
My grand kids are perfect - but aren't they all?
I love to go in and pick up Kinley (the 4 month old) right after she wakes up. She is a true jewel.
Her smile simply melts me.
Georgia is fun to listen to as she articulates her feelings. She is always, I mean always on the go.
It was fun spending most of the day on Saturday with Becky - Go Michigan State!
Rainy day for a football game at Northwestern - but we still had fun.
I am proud of all of my children - and love them very much.
Had a wonderful service yesterday with great crowds in both services for a Thanksgiving weekend.
God is on the move in our church!
Thankful for all the guests who came yesterday - I would encourage all of our church family to reach out to them.
Throughout the ups and downs and victories and defeats of life - Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever.
I have a wonderful, caring, loving wife.
I enjoy worshipping with God's people.
Leftover turkey sandwiches with mayonnaise and pickles - nothing better.
Love you all!
George
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Contrasts
Many times we don't realize what we have until it is taken away.
That is so true. Whether it be our health, a personal friend or family member or even something as superficial as a material possession, we don't realize what we have until it is taken away.
Until there is a contrast.
We don't appreciate light until we are in the dark.
We don't appreciate a home cooked meal until we've been on the road for days if not weeks.
We don't appreciate the heat of summer until we are in the bone chilling cold of winter.
We don't appreciate the cool of fall and the cold of winter until we are in the stifling heat of summer.
Isn't that true?
You see, thanksgiving and appreciation are often related to contrasts.
One of the challenges that we (who have grown up in the church) have is that when someone is saved at an early age, and they never do anything terribly wrong or sinful in their lives, that they can begin to have feelings of self-righteousness and pride. As if they deserve their salvation.
There hasn't been a whole lot of contrast in their lives.
And that can be dangerous.
Now, I am NOT saying that the answer is to go out and live an awful life so that you can have contrast or a "testimony".
I am saying the answer is to see that self-righteousness stinks as badly as any other sin that anyone could commit.
The problems is not that we need to go out and do something to create this contrast that we are speaking of - the problem is we really have the contrast and we just don't know it.
Many are steeped in the sins of self-righteousness, pride and self-sufficiency. But because of the lack of recognition of contrast - they remain blind to their need.
We need to recognize that apart from Jesus we are nothing.
And that's something to be thankful for this week.
That the creator of the world, the God of the universe, sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to live and die for my sins - whether I have grown up in the church - or just walked in from the streets - it is all the same.
Thank you, Lord!
That is so true. Whether it be our health, a personal friend or family member or even something as superficial as a material possession, we don't realize what we have until it is taken away.
Until there is a contrast.
We don't appreciate light until we are in the dark.
We don't appreciate a home cooked meal until we've been on the road for days if not weeks.
We don't appreciate the heat of summer until we are in the bone chilling cold of winter.
We don't appreciate the cool of fall and the cold of winter until we are in the stifling heat of summer.
Isn't that true?
You see, thanksgiving and appreciation are often related to contrasts.
One of the challenges that we (who have grown up in the church) have is that when someone is saved at an early age, and they never do anything terribly wrong or sinful in their lives, that they can begin to have feelings of self-righteousness and pride. As if they deserve their salvation.
There hasn't been a whole lot of contrast in their lives.
And that can be dangerous.
Now, I am NOT saying that the answer is to go out and live an awful life so that you can have contrast or a "testimony".
I am saying the answer is to see that self-righteousness stinks as badly as any other sin that anyone could commit.
The problems is not that we need to go out and do something to create this contrast that we are speaking of - the problem is we really have the contrast and we just don't know it.
Many are steeped in the sins of self-righteousness, pride and self-sufficiency. But because of the lack of recognition of contrast - they remain blind to their need.
We need to recognize that apart from Jesus we are nothing.
And that's something to be thankful for this week.
That the creator of the world, the God of the universe, sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to live and die for my sins - whether I have grown up in the church - or just walked in from the streets - it is all the same.
Thank you, Lord!
Monday, November 21, 2011
Thoughts from the weekend
Thoughts from the weekend
It's a beautiful day today - and I am really getting geared up for my favorite day of the year - Thanksgiving.
Looking forward to seeing family.
Looking forward to seeing my children (and son-in-law).
Looking forward to seeing my grandchildren.
I have much to be thankful for.
We continue to see numerous guests come to our Sunday morning services!
We continue to brainstorm on how we can do an even better "job" at connecting these wonderful people to our church family.
All we can do is be faithful.
As we are faithful with a little - God will give us much.
Let's focus in this week (and be thankful) for what we DO have and not on what we DON'T have.
As I change myself, people around me will change.
I can't change anyone - only God can change people.
I am responsible to people, but I am not responsible for people.
Attended David Dewes life group Saturday evening. Wonderful time of fellowship.
David "slow cooked" a Turkey - It was delicious.
Meet a new family - who also invited another family to come yesterday.
God is up to something good!
I am thankful for a group of men in my men's life group (we meet last Saturday morning) - who desire to grow in God.
Great leadership potential in the lives of the men in my life group.
My desire is to see lives transformed by the power of God's spirit.
The Dallas Cowboys record: 6-4.
Who would have thought they would be in first place on November 21st?
I am thankful for a great pastoral staff to work with.
I am also grateful for a wonderful support staff!
Thanksgiving: Food, Fun, Fellowship, Family, Football - and most of all - giving thanks to the Father.
I say, "Be blessed this week"!
Love you all, George
It's a beautiful day today - and I am really getting geared up for my favorite day of the year - Thanksgiving.
Looking forward to seeing family.
Looking forward to seeing my children (and son-in-law).
Looking forward to seeing my grandchildren.
I have much to be thankful for.
We continue to see numerous guests come to our Sunday morning services!
We continue to brainstorm on how we can do an even better "job" at connecting these wonderful people to our church family.
All we can do is be faithful.
As we are faithful with a little - God will give us much.
Let's focus in this week (and be thankful) for what we DO have and not on what we DON'T have.
As I change myself, people around me will change.
I can't change anyone - only God can change people.
I am responsible to people, but I am not responsible for people.
Attended David Dewes life group Saturday evening. Wonderful time of fellowship.
David "slow cooked" a Turkey - It was delicious.
Meet a new family - who also invited another family to come yesterday.
God is up to something good!
I am thankful for a group of men in my men's life group (we meet last Saturday morning) - who desire to grow in God.
Great leadership potential in the lives of the men in my life group.
My desire is to see lives transformed by the power of God's spirit.
The Dallas Cowboys record: 6-4.
Who would have thought they would be in first place on November 21st?
I am thankful for a great pastoral staff to work with.
I am also grateful for a wonderful support staff!
Thanksgiving: Food, Fun, Fellowship, Family, Football - and most of all - giving thanks to the Father.
I say, "Be blessed this week"!
Love you all, George
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Rejection
Just about the 10th time someone says, "you know, George, we love you and Debbie, and we love Stone Church, but there is this issue about speaking in tongues, so we have decided to go to another church," it begins to wear you down.
Rejection is never, ever fun.
Remember the feelings of choosing up sides for playing (football, basketball or baseball) when you were a kid? You wanted anything but being chosen last for a team.
Some remember not making a sports team.
Or being chosen for an activity.
Or having their heart broken by a girl or a boy.
Or failing a test.
As adults, some have experienced the rejection of divorce, losing a job, not being hired on for a job.
It goes on and on.
Rejection is never, ever fun.
Rejection hurts.
According to a Reuters article, that "kicked-in-the-gut" feeling that you get when you're ignored at a party or not chosen for a team generates physical symptoms. According to the article, "Brain-imaging studies show that a social snub affects the brain precisely the way visceral pain does."
"When someone hurts your feelings, it really hurts you," states Matt Lieberman, a social psychologist at the University of California, Los Angeles, who worked on the study.
In the study, 13 "volunteers were given a task they did not know related to an experiment in social snubbing. Writing in the journal Science, Lieberman and Naomi Eisenberger said the brains of the volunteers lit up when they were rejected in virtually the same way as a person experiencing physical pain.
"In the English language we use physical metaphors to describe social pain like 'broken heart' and 'hurt feelings,"' said Eisenberger. "Now we see that there is good reason for this."
I guess where I am headed today is this thought - rejection hurts, so let's practice love, acceptance and forgiveness this day. As a Christian, the Word encourages us continually to "reach out" rather than "reject" those around us.
There is so much rejection in the world - others don't need us to "pile on" as Christians.
So, when you are tempted to snub somebody or "not speak with someone" or turn your back on a friend or foe, remember this - Jesus never, ever rejects us - and we are to encourage those around us as well.
Just a thought for a Thursday.
Rejection is never, ever fun.
Remember the feelings of choosing up sides for playing (football, basketball or baseball) when you were a kid? You wanted anything but being chosen last for a team.
Some remember not making a sports team.
Or being chosen for an activity.
Or having their heart broken by a girl or a boy.
Or failing a test.
As adults, some have experienced the rejection of divorce, losing a job, not being hired on for a job.
It goes on and on.
Rejection is never, ever fun.
Rejection hurts.
According to a Reuters article, that "kicked-in-the-gut" feeling that you get when you're ignored at a party or not chosen for a team generates physical symptoms. According to the article, "Brain-imaging studies show that a social snub affects the brain precisely the way visceral pain does."
"When someone hurts your feelings, it really hurts you," states Matt Lieberman, a social psychologist at the University of California, Los Angeles, who worked on the study.
In the study, 13 "volunteers were given a task they did not know related to an experiment in social snubbing. Writing in the journal Science, Lieberman and Naomi Eisenberger said the brains of the volunteers lit up when they were rejected in virtually the same way as a person experiencing physical pain.
"In the English language we use physical metaphors to describe social pain like 'broken heart' and 'hurt feelings,"' said Eisenberger. "Now we see that there is good reason for this."
I guess where I am headed today is this thought - rejection hurts, so let's practice love, acceptance and forgiveness this day. As a Christian, the Word encourages us continually to "reach out" rather than "reject" those around us.
There is so much rejection in the world - others don't need us to "pile on" as Christians.
So, when you are tempted to snub somebody or "not speak with someone" or turn your back on a friend or foe, remember this - Jesus never, ever rejects us - and we are to encourage those around us as well.
Just a thought for a Thursday.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Trust in God
Stephen Erickson once wrote an article entitled, "How to choose a dentist."
He writes:
"Never trust a dentist who wears dentures. Whose drill is driven by a system of pulleys connected to three mice on a treadmill. Who sends you a Christmas card and charges you for it. How chews tobacco and spits the juice into the sink. Who uses the suction hose to empty your pockets. Who is also a barber. Who sprays his equipment with Lysol to sterilize it. Who uses lead for fillings.
Great stuff.
Trust.
Here's what I know: People will let me down (and I will let other people down), but I can always rely on God.
God is the same yesterday, today and forever.
I can trust Him.
I can trust God.
Each day has "enough trouble of its own" as Jesus said in Matthew 6:34. Each day can present unpredictable events in our lives - events filled with surprises and trials and anxieties.
You might have an accident on the freeway, be fired form the job, be the victim of a personal attack, be mistreated, robbed, slandered, or threatened with a lawsuit.
Not fun stuff, but it is true.
Stuff happens.
Stuff leads to worry and worry leads to fear - and a lack of trust - in God.
We think, if not say, "who can I really trust"?
I would suggest that we can trust in God.
David writes in Psalms 56:3, "When I am afraid, I will put my trust in thee."
In other words, I will lean on, rely on, rest in, surrender to, depend on, relax in God's presence.
How can you and I do this?
By being totally and completely convinced that God is trustworthy.
God cares.
God is reliable.
God doesn't fumble the ball.
God doesn't work part time.
God is available to me anytime and anywhere.
And when He says, "this won't hurt a bit (as a dentist does) - He means it."
He writes:
"Never trust a dentist who wears dentures. Whose drill is driven by a system of pulleys connected to three mice on a treadmill. Who sends you a Christmas card and charges you for it. How chews tobacco and spits the juice into the sink. Who uses the suction hose to empty your pockets. Who is also a barber. Who sprays his equipment with Lysol to sterilize it. Who uses lead for fillings.
Great stuff.
Trust.
Here's what I know: People will let me down (and I will let other people down), but I can always rely on God.
God is the same yesterday, today and forever.
I can trust Him.
I can trust God.
Each day has "enough trouble of its own" as Jesus said in Matthew 6:34. Each day can present unpredictable events in our lives - events filled with surprises and trials and anxieties.
You might have an accident on the freeway, be fired form the job, be the victim of a personal attack, be mistreated, robbed, slandered, or threatened with a lawsuit.
Not fun stuff, but it is true.
Stuff happens.
Stuff leads to worry and worry leads to fear - and a lack of trust - in God.
We think, if not say, "who can I really trust"?
I would suggest that we can trust in God.
David writes in Psalms 56:3, "When I am afraid, I will put my trust in thee."
In other words, I will lean on, rely on, rest in, surrender to, depend on, relax in God's presence.
How can you and I do this?
By being totally and completely convinced that God is trustworthy.
God cares.
God is reliable.
God doesn't fumble the ball.
God doesn't work part time.
God is available to me anytime and anywhere.
And when He says, "this won't hurt a bit (as a dentist does) - He means it."
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Suspicion
I have read every John Grisham book that he has written, except for his Theodore Boone children's novels.
The coupling of "easy to read" and suspense is a great combination.
One theme that is a constant thread throughout all of his books is this: Suspicion. Something has gone wrong and motives are probed, evidence is analyze, in short, suspicions are raised.
All of us have a "built in" DNA of wanting to pry deeper into anything, whether it be a suspense novel or a show on television like CSI or Prime Suspect.
Our curiosity forces us to investigate things that are just slightly irregular.
But there is a difference between the expressions of discernment (or curiosity) and carnal, fleshly, nonspiritual suspicion.
The difference may be veiled, but it is real.
It lies in the realm of motive.
Suspicion is the act of suspecting something wrong without proof or evidence.
It is mistrust.
It is doubt.
It is skepticism.
It asks questions that it knows the answer to.
It has hidden motives and agendas.
Let me share with you the difference between curiosity and suspicion.
I quote:
"Curiosity sees a cast on a leg and ask, "What happened?" Suspicion wonders if anything happened.
Curiosity listens to a speaker and thinks, "How did he come up with that - what's his technique?" Suspicion doubts the validity of the statement or the motive of the speaker or both.
Curiosity observes an irregularity and challenges simply, "Why?" Suspicion entertains the immediate idea, "What's wrong here? Who's to blame - who's at fault?"
Can I say this? I am always suspicious of people who are always suspicious. Of those who think that everyone has a hidden motive for everything they do.
You and I both know that there are things we do and say in life without any motivation whatsoever. We just say and do them.
As the French philosopher and theologian, Blaise Pascal once said, "The heart has its reasons that reason doesn't understand."
So....why not be a little less "suspicious" today - and love and accept people for who they are.
The coupling of "easy to read" and suspense is a great combination.
One theme that is a constant thread throughout all of his books is this: Suspicion. Something has gone wrong and motives are probed, evidence is analyze, in short, suspicions are raised.
All of us have a "built in" DNA of wanting to pry deeper into anything, whether it be a suspense novel or a show on television like CSI or Prime Suspect.
Our curiosity forces us to investigate things that are just slightly irregular.
But there is a difference between the expressions of discernment (or curiosity) and carnal, fleshly, nonspiritual suspicion.
The difference may be veiled, but it is real.
It lies in the realm of motive.
Suspicion is the act of suspecting something wrong without proof or evidence.
It is mistrust.
It is doubt.
It is skepticism.
It asks questions that it knows the answer to.
It has hidden motives and agendas.
Let me share with you the difference between curiosity and suspicion.
I quote:
"Curiosity sees a cast on a leg and ask, "What happened?" Suspicion wonders if anything happened.
Curiosity listens to a speaker and thinks, "How did he come up with that - what's his technique?" Suspicion doubts the validity of the statement or the motive of the speaker or both.
Curiosity observes an irregularity and challenges simply, "Why?" Suspicion entertains the immediate idea, "What's wrong here? Who's to blame - who's at fault?"
Can I say this? I am always suspicious of people who are always suspicious. Of those who think that everyone has a hidden motive for everything they do.
You and I both know that there are things we do and say in life without any motivation whatsoever. We just say and do them.
As the French philosopher and theologian, Blaise Pascal once said, "The heart has its reasons that reason doesn't understand."
So....why not be a little less "suspicious" today - and love and accept people for who they are.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Thoughts from the weekend
Thoughts from the weekend:
People need the Lord - all over the world.
God is moving - across this planet!
Challenging message yesterday from David Raley.
We are to think globally - not just the four blocks surrounding us.
We live a global world - where you and I can be anywhere in a matter of minutes.
I am thankful for all of our volunteers at our church - if you are reading this - please know that you are loved and appreciated.
Life in Christ is daily.
We are to focus on Christ today.
Let's all be in prayer for our Upward Ministry - and do what we can to help.
Wonderful time with the men last Saturday at our men's chili "cook-off".
Excellent chili.
Congratulations to Jim Czaja for "winning". All of the entries were very, very good.
Dallas Cowboys win 44-7. They looked like a Super Bowl team - for one week.
My opinion? No Christmas "stuff" should be shown or sold until after thanksgiving.
There are many needs in our community - let's all continue to do our best to meet those needs.
We need you - we love you - you are important to us at Stone Church.
People need the Lord - all over the world.
God is moving - across this planet!
Challenging message yesterday from David Raley.
We are to think globally - not just the four blocks surrounding us.
We live a global world - where you and I can be anywhere in a matter of minutes.
I am thankful for all of our volunteers at our church - if you are reading this - please know that you are loved and appreciated.
Life in Christ is daily.
We are to focus on Christ today.
Let's all be in prayer for our Upward Ministry - and do what we can to help.
Wonderful time with the men last Saturday at our men's chili "cook-off".
Excellent chili.
Congratulations to Jim Czaja for "winning". All of the entries were very, very good.
Dallas Cowboys win 44-7. They looked like a Super Bowl team - for one week.
My opinion? No Christmas "stuff" should be shown or sold until after thanksgiving.
There are many needs in our community - let's all continue to do our best to meet those needs.
We need you - we love you - you are important to us at Stone Church.
Wednesday, November 09, 2011
Rough days
You ever have a rough day?
Of course you have. We all have.
Sometimes it can begin with the first person that you meet - I am told that they can "make" or "break" your day - or at least set the tone. And then there is a downward spiral from there.
We say things like:
Going from bad to worse.
Jumping from the frying pan into the fire.
Between a rock and a hard place.
Someone once said, "cheer up, things could get worse." So I cheered up - and sure enough, things got worse!
"My mother told me there would be days like these, but she never said they would run in packs."
We've heard all of the sayings and cliches.
I've had people say to me, "well, just work harder, get busier."
But most of the time that doesn't help much.
When the barn is on fire, slapping a coat of paint on the other side doesn't make a whole lot of sense.
If the tires are flat, driving faster is pretty dumb.
So what is the answer?
Galatians 6:9-18 gives us some clues.
Paul tells us in Galatians 6:9, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
In other words, don't quit. Keep on going. Stand firm. Be strong. At the right time, you and I will proper and succeed.
He goes on to write in verse 10, "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."
When we are having a bad day, our tendency is to do anything BUT reach out to others and do good.
We feel like doing evil, don't we?
Fume. Swear. Scream. Fight. Pout. Get irritated. Take out all kinds of deposits in our relational banks. But those are the very days that we need to reach out, which ironically enough, will help turn our day around.
Paul continues in verse 17, "...let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus." Great stuff. In other words, don't allow anyone or anything to keep you in bondage. Don't let other people's bondage become your bondage. Don't react to their actions.
Finally, Paul writes in verse 18, "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers." He is saying there, "allow the full impact of grace to flow through your thoughts, your attitudes, your responses, your words."
Just some thoughts for a Wednesday.
Of course you have. We all have.
Sometimes it can begin with the first person that you meet - I am told that they can "make" or "break" your day - or at least set the tone. And then there is a downward spiral from there.
We say things like:
Going from bad to worse.
Jumping from the frying pan into the fire.
Between a rock and a hard place.
Someone once said, "cheer up, things could get worse." So I cheered up - and sure enough, things got worse!
"My mother told me there would be days like these, but she never said they would run in packs."
We've heard all of the sayings and cliches.
I've had people say to me, "well, just work harder, get busier."
But most of the time that doesn't help much.
When the barn is on fire, slapping a coat of paint on the other side doesn't make a whole lot of sense.
If the tires are flat, driving faster is pretty dumb.
So what is the answer?
Galatians 6:9-18 gives us some clues.
Paul tells us in Galatians 6:9, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
In other words, don't quit. Keep on going. Stand firm. Be strong. At the right time, you and I will proper and succeed.
He goes on to write in verse 10, "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."
When we are having a bad day, our tendency is to do anything BUT reach out to others and do good.
We feel like doing evil, don't we?
Fume. Swear. Scream. Fight. Pout. Get irritated. Take out all kinds of deposits in our relational banks. But those are the very days that we need to reach out, which ironically enough, will help turn our day around.
Paul continues in verse 17, "...let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus." Great stuff. In other words, don't allow anyone or anything to keep you in bondage. Don't let other people's bondage become your bondage. Don't react to their actions.
Finally, Paul writes in verse 18, "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers." He is saying there, "allow the full impact of grace to flow through your thoughts, your attitudes, your responses, your words."
Just some thoughts for a Wednesday.
Tuesday, November 08, 2011
Letting go
Many times the ultimate question is not: "What am I willing to have in my life - but what am I willing to let go?"
In the Bible (and in some cultures today) they worshipped metal images. In our culture we worship mental images. Images that we ruminate about in our minds.
We can become obsessed with "idols" in our lives - many times these idols being good things. Sports, family, our jobs, our children, money, T.V., video games.
Anything taken to an excess can become an idol.
In order to have a full, complete and totally surrendered life with Christ - what am I willing to let go - or at least bring into balance?
One day, John Wesley's (the founder of the Methodist Church) house burned to the ground. Some people found him and said, "John, we are so sorry to tell you this, but your house just burned to the ground."
John Wesley said, "That's impossible."
"No, John! Your house burned to the ground."
"That's impossible."
"John, we saw it with our own eyes. Your house is gone!"
"That's impossible. You see, I don't own a house. God gave me a place to live in. I only managed that house for Him. If He didn't put the fire out, then that's His problem. He'll have to put me somewhere else."
Wesley understood that he could have something and use something without possessing it. He didn't hold on to it so tightly that when it went down the went down too.
We "clutchers" aren't we?
We clutch power, we clutch our possessions, we clutch our positions and titles.
"Mine, mine," we say, "and you can't have it and you are not going to take it away."
It is not in our nature to let go. To relax in God's presence knowing that God will always take care of us.
What are you and I willing to let go today?
Don't hold on to anything in this world, friends, with a tight grip - anything can be taken away in an instant.
The one thing that can never be taken away - is my relationship with Christ - and life in eternity with Him.
I thank you God for that. In fact, let me say this - I love you Lord!
Help me to only, and totally, hang on to you.
In the Bible (and in some cultures today) they worshipped metal images. In our culture we worship mental images. Images that we ruminate about in our minds.
We can become obsessed with "idols" in our lives - many times these idols being good things. Sports, family, our jobs, our children, money, T.V., video games.
Anything taken to an excess can become an idol.
In order to have a full, complete and totally surrendered life with Christ - what am I willing to let go - or at least bring into balance?
One day, John Wesley's (the founder of the Methodist Church) house burned to the ground. Some people found him and said, "John, we are so sorry to tell you this, but your house just burned to the ground."
John Wesley said, "That's impossible."
"No, John! Your house burned to the ground."
"That's impossible."
"John, we saw it with our own eyes. Your house is gone!"
"That's impossible. You see, I don't own a house. God gave me a place to live in. I only managed that house for Him. If He didn't put the fire out, then that's His problem. He'll have to put me somewhere else."
Wesley understood that he could have something and use something without possessing it. He didn't hold on to it so tightly that when it went down the went down too.
We "clutchers" aren't we?
We clutch power, we clutch our possessions, we clutch our positions and titles.
"Mine, mine," we say, "and you can't have it and you are not going to take it away."
It is not in our nature to let go. To relax in God's presence knowing that God will always take care of us.
What are you and I willing to let go today?
Don't hold on to anything in this world, friends, with a tight grip - anything can be taken away in an instant.
The one thing that can never be taken away - is my relationship with Christ - and life in eternity with Him.
I thank you God for that. In fact, let me say this - I love you Lord!
Help me to only, and totally, hang on to you.
Monday, November 07, 2011
Thoughts from the weekend
Thoughts from the weekend:
Excellent Sunday morning services yesterday!
Seeing people praying around the altar is encouraging.
God's ministry presence was felt in our worship!
I am thankful for worship leaders who worship while they lead!
Yesterday was Amanda Boon's one year anniversary. Thanks to Amanda for her leadership in our worship and fine arts ministry.
God does oppose the proud - I desire to walk in humility.
That is a daily process.
Some days we walk in the spirit - other days we walk in the flesh.
My desire is to have more spiritual days than fleshly days.
Part of spiritual maturity is doing what is best for the group and not for the individual - and following through on commitments.
To find someone who is committed to God's kingdom - priceless.
Debbie and I attended Leo and Mary Ann's life group last night - wonderful!
Great fellowship, good food, wonderful discussion of 1 Peter 1:3-5.
I love to hang out with God's people.
We have a lot of good people in our church who love God and each other.
My daughter, Christie, and son-in-law, Andrew sent pictures of Georgia and Kinley (my granddaughters). They are beautiful.
Being a grandparent brings a tremendous amount of joy in my life.
I've never really completely understood Paul's statement in Philippians 1:21 until recently: "For me to live is Christ - but to die is gain."
Some scriptures are never completely understood until we reach a certain age or season in our lives.
Would I like to be in heaven? Yes. Is there much more to do on this planet while I remain? Yes! People to lead to the Lord. Leading people to Christ. Loving my family.
I am for the Chicago Bears tonight as they play the Philadelphia Eagles.
Go Bears (tonight)!
Didn't get to see the Dallas Cowboy game - but they won - I guess it was an "ugly win".
Can't wait to see my kids and family at Thanksgiving.
I love my wife - my best friend - and biggest fan and cheerleader.
Let's all have a great week - and depend upon the Holy Spirit to walk in the Spirit!
Excellent Sunday morning services yesterday!
Seeing people praying around the altar is encouraging.
God's ministry presence was felt in our worship!
I am thankful for worship leaders who worship while they lead!
Yesterday was Amanda Boon's one year anniversary. Thanks to Amanda for her leadership in our worship and fine arts ministry.
God does oppose the proud - I desire to walk in humility.
That is a daily process.
Some days we walk in the spirit - other days we walk in the flesh.
My desire is to have more spiritual days than fleshly days.
Part of spiritual maturity is doing what is best for the group and not for the individual - and following through on commitments.
To find someone who is committed to God's kingdom - priceless.
Debbie and I attended Leo and Mary Ann's life group last night - wonderful!
Great fellowship, good food, wonderful discussion of 1 Peter 1:3-5.
I love to hang out with God's people.
We have a lot of good people in our church who love God and each other.
My daughter, Christie, and son-in-law, Andrew sent pictures of Georgia and Kinley (my granddaughters). They are beautiful.
Being a grandparent brings a tremendous amount of joy in my life.
I've never really completely understood Paul's statement in Philippians 1:21 until recently: "For me to live is Christ - but to die is gain."
Some scriptures are never completely understood until we reach a certain age or season in our lives.
Would I like to be in heaven? Yes. Is there much more to do on this planet while I remain? Yes! People to lead to the Lord. Leading people to Christ. Loving my family.
I am for the Chicago Bears tonight as they play the Philadelphia Eagles.
Go Bears (tonight)!
Didn't get to see the Dallas Cowboy game - but they won - I guess it was an "ugly win".
Can't wait to see my kids and family at Thanksgiving.
I love my wife - my best friend - and biggest fan and cheerleader.
Let's all have a great week - and depend upon the Holy Spirit to walk in the Spirit!
Thursday, November 03, 2011
Complaints and Hank
Frank Sinatra used to sing, "Regrets, I've had a few....I did it my way...."
Many church goers could sing, "Complaints, I've had a few....I want it done my way...."
Paul writes in Philippians 2:14, "Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure."
John Ortberg gives us the story of Hank.
He writes:
“Hank, as we’ll call him, was a cranky guy. He did not smile easily, and when he did, the smile often had a cruel edge to it, coming at someone’s expense. He had a knack for discovering islands of bad news in oceans of happiness. He would always find a cloud where others saw a silver lining.
Hank rarely affirmed anyone. He operated on the assumption that if you compliment someone, it might lead to a swelled head, so he worked to make sure everyone stayed humble. His was a ministry of cranial downsizing.
His native tongue was complaint. He carried judgment and disapproval the way a prisoner carries a ball and chain. Although he went to church his whole life, he was never unshackled.
A deacon in the church asked him one day, “Hank, are you happy?”
Hank paused to reflect, and then replied without smiling, “yeah.”
“Well, tell your face,” the deacon said. But so far as anybody knows, Hank’s face never did find out about it.
Occasionally, Hank’s joylessness produced unintended joy for others.
There was a period of time when his primary complaints centered around the music in the church.
“It’s too loud!” Hank protested – to the staff, the deacons, the ushers, and eventually the innocent visitors to the church.
We finally had to take Hank aside and explain that complaining to complete strangers was not appropriate and he would have to restrict his laments to a circle of intimate friends. And that was the end of it. So we thought.
A few weeks later, a secretary buzzed me on the intercom to say that an agent form ISHA – the Occupational Safety and Health Administration – was here to see me. “I’m here to check out a complaint,” he said. As I tried to figure out who on the staff would have called OSHA over a church problem, he began to talk about decibel levels at airports and rock concerts.
“Excuse me,” I said, “are you sure this was someone on the church staff that called?”
“No,” he explained. “If anyone calls – whether or not they work there – we’re obligated to investigate.”
The suddenly the light dawned: Hank had called OSHA and said, “The music at my church is too loud.” And they sent a federal agent to check it out.
By this time the rest of the staff had gathered in my office to see the man from ISHA.
“We don’t’ mean to make light of this,” I told him, “but nothing like this has ever happened around here before.”
“Don’t apologize,” he said. “Do you have any idea how much ridicule I’ve faced around my office since everyone discovered I was going out to bust a church?”
Sometimes Hank’s joylessness ended in comedy, but more often it produced sadness. His children did not know him. His son had a wonderful story about how he met his wife at a dance, but he never told his father because Hank did not approve of dancing.
Hank could not effectively love his wife or his children or people outside his family. He was easily irritated. He had little use for the poor, and a causal contempt for those who accents or skin pigment differed form his own. Whatever capacity he once might have had for joy or wonder or gratitude atrophied. He critiqued and judged and complained, and his soul got a little smaller each year.”
Now then, to my words. Great story.
What’s the greatest tragedy of this story? Is it that Hank wasn’t changing? Is it that Hank didn’t realize that he needed to change?
Or is it this: that we in the kingdom get so used to Hank acting this way that we don’t expect that he would progressively become the way Jesus would be if he were in Hank’s place.
We don’t expect Him to change? Can Hank change, I don’t know. In my heart I doubt it. But I must never give up praying or Hank or encouraging Hank, believing that one day, God might do a miracle in His life.
And by the way, if I ever, I mean ever, show tendencies of become “Hank”, you have my permission to verbally spank me, and spank me hard.
Many church goers could sing, "Complaints, I've had a few....I want it done my way...."
Paul writes in Philippians 2:14, "Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure."
John Ortberg gives us the story of Hank.
He writes:
“Hank, as we’ll call him, was a cranky guy. He did not smile easily, and when he did, the smile often had a cruel edge to it, coming at someone’s expense. He had a knack for discovering islands of bad news in oceans of happiness. He would always find a cloud where others saw a silver lining.
Hank rarely affirmed anyone. He operated on the assumption that if you compliment someone, it might lead to a swelled head, so he worked to make sure everyone stayed humble. His was a ministry of cranial downsizing.
His native tongue was complaint. He carried judgment and disapproval the way a prisoner carries a ball and chain. Although he went to church his whole life, he was never unshackled.
A deacon in the church asked him one day, “Hank, are you happy?”
Hank paused to reflect, and then replied without smiling, “yeah.”
“Well, tell your face,” the deacon said. But so far as anybody knows, Hank’s face never did find out about it.
Occasionally, Hank’s joylessness produced unintended joy for others.
There was a period of time when his primary complaints centered around the music in the church.
“It’s too loud!” Hank protested – to the staff, the deacons, the ushers, and eventually the innocent visitors to the church.
We finally had to take Hank aside and explain that complaining to complete strangers was not appropriate and he would have to restrict his laments to a circle of intimate friends. And that was the end of it. So we thought.
A few weeks later, a secretary buzzed me on the intercom to say that an agent form ISHA – the Occupational Safety and Health Administration – was here to see me. “I’m here to check out a complaint,” he said. As I tried to figure out who on the staff would have called OSHA over a church problem, he began to talk about decibel levels at airports and rock concerts.
“Excuse me,” I said, “are you sure this was someone on the church staff that called?”
“No,” he explained. “If anyone calls – whether or not they work there – we’re obligated to investigate.”
The suddenly the light dawned: Hank had called OSHA and said, “The music at my church is too loud.” And they sent a federal agent to check it out.
By this time the rest of the staff had gathered in my office to see the man from ISHA.
“We don’t’ mean to make light of this,” I told him, “but nothing like this has ever happened around here before.”
“Don’t apologize,” he said. “Do you have any idea how much ridicule I’ve faced around my office since everyone discovered I was going out to bust a church?”
Sometimes Hank’s joylessness ended in comedy, but more often it produced sadness. His children did not know him. His son had a wonderful story about how he met his wife at a dance, but he never told his father because Hank did not approve of dancing.
Hank could not effectively love his wife or his children or people outside his family. He was easily irritated. He had little use for the poor, and a causal contempt for those who accents or skin pigment differed form his own. Whatever capacity he once might have had for joy or wonder or gratitude atrophied. He critiqued and judged and complained, and his soul got a little smaller each year.”
Now then, to my words. Great story.
What’s the greatest tragedy of this story? Is it that Hank wasn’t changing? Is it that Hank didn’t realize that he needed to change?
Or is it this: that we in the kingdom get so used to Hank acting this way that we don’t expect that he would progressively become the way Jesus would be if he were in Hank’s place.
We don’t expect Him to change? Can Hank change, I don’t know. In my heart I doubt it. But I must never give up praying or Hank or encouraging Hank, believing that one day, God might do a miracle in His life.
And by the way, if I ever, I mean ever, show tendencies of become “Hank”, you have my permission to verbally spank me, and spank me hard.
Wednesday, November 02, 2011
Consistency
One of the things I continue to struggle with is allowing other people's emotional "ups and downs" to affect my emotional well-being.
In a previous church, I ministered with a volunteer who was in leadership - who was constantly either "way up" or "way down" in his emotions.
He wore his emotions "on his sleeve".
When we met, I spent the first 5 to 10 minutes taking his emotional temperature - and then served with him accordingly.
I found myself riding his emotions as well - his emotional state became my emotional state.
It nearly drove me "batty".
As a care-giver, one of my strengths is that I can be very sensitive to how people are feeling at the moment. But it can also be a weakness if I allow myself to "ride" those same emotions.
Riding the proverbial roller coaster of others emotions can lead to disastrous results.
I can be in a situation and someone can be acting like an idiot - and I can walk away from that situation feeling like I was at fault (when I wasn't) or worse yet, responding to the person's idiocy with idiocy.
We never fight a dragon by becoming a dragon.
We never fight an idiot by becoming an idiot.
Here's what I know: You and I are responsible to people - but we are not responsible for people.
If someone is angry towards a situation (or me) - I am responsible to them by reacting in a godly way. I am not responsible for their anger and think it is a reflection on me. In other words, I don't need to "fight anger with anger".
If someone is distraught towards a situation (or me), I am responsible to minister to them as best I can. I am not responsible to think I can personally change their situation or behavior (how can I do something that only God can do - and many times in a miraculous way at that?).
I can't change anybody. I can't make anybody think exactly as I do. I can't make anybody act exactly like I want them to.
We pastored in Carlsbad, New Mexico for 3 years. It is a small town or around 28,000 people. When I was there, I always wondered how they could get along in such a small situation.
Here's what I learned - they would say - when it came to someone who was acting in a negative way - "Oh, that's just Bill. That's the way he is." "Oh, that's just Jane. That's the way she is."
In other words, you can't change Bill, so accept him the way he is, deal with him as he is - and you and I will jump off the emotional roller coaster that Bill leaves us with.
Is there a point when you and I need to step in and speak with Bill?
Yes, when:
Bill is affecting the unity of the church (family, business, team).
Bill is affecting the working (ministry) of any group of people.
Bill is embarrassing himself.
Ultimately, if I love and care for Bill (or Jane or whomever) enough, there will be a point in time when I will need to speak with Bill - but it must be for his benefit - not mine.
Anyway, I trust that all of this makes sense - for a Wednesday....and now if I can just live this stuff....
In a previous church, I ministered with a volunteer who was in leadership - who was constantly either "way up" or "way down" in his emotions.
He wore his emotions "on his sleeve".
When we met, I spent the first 5 to 10 minutes taking his emotional temperature - and then served with him accordingly.
I found myself riding his emotions as well - his emotional state became my emotional state.
It nearly drove me "batty".
As a care-giver, one of my strengths is that I can be very sensitive to how people are feeling at the moment. But it can also be a weakness if I allow myself to "ride" those same emotions.
Riding the proverbial roller coaster of others emotions can lead to disastrous results.
I can be in a situation and someone can be acting like an idiot - and I can walk away from that situation feeling like I was at fault (when I wasn't) or worse yet, responding to the person's idiocy with idiocy.
We never fight a dragon by becoming a dragon.
We never fight an idiot by becoming an idiot.
Here's what I know: You and I are responsible to people - but we are not responsible for people.
If someone is angry towards a situation (or me) - I am responsible to them by reacting in a godly way. I am not responsible for their anger and think it is a reflection on me. In other words, I don't need to "fight anger with anger".
If someone is distraught towards a situation (or me), I am responsible to minister to them as best I can. I am not responsible to think I can personally change their situation or behavior (how can I do something that only God can do - and many times in a miraculous way at that?).
I can't change anybody. I can't make anybody think exactly as I do. I can't make anybody act exactly like I want them to.
We pastored in Carlsbad, New Mexico for 3 years. It is a small town or around 28,000 people. When I was there, I always wondered how they could get along in such a small situation.
Here's what I learned - they would say - when it came to someone who was acting in a negative way - "Oh, that's just Bill. That's the way he is." "Oh, that's just Jane. That's the way she is."
In other words, you can't change Bill, so accept him the way he is, deal with him as he is - and you and I will jump off the emotional roller coaster that Bill leaves us with.
Is there a point when you and I need to step in and speak with Bill?
Yes, when:
Bill is affecting the unity of the church (family, business, team).
Bill is affecting the working (ministry) of any group of people.
Bill is embarrassing himself.
Ultimately, if I love and care for Bill (or Jane or whomever) enough, there will be a point in time when I will need to speak with Bill - but it must be for his benefit - not mine.
Anyway, I trust that all of this makes sense - for a Wednesday....and now if I can just live this stuff....
Tuesday, November 01, 2011
critic or cheerleader
There are always two options in life.
Am I going to be a critic - or am I going to be a cheerleader?
I love to hang around positive, encouraging people.
Churches especially need what every football (sports teams) have: Cheerleaders.
The job of a cheerleader is to tell everybody, "we're going to make it." No matter how bad things looks on the scoreboard, there is still hope!
Frank Wolf is a cheerleader. David Dewes is a cheerleader. Joan Minsky is a cheerleader.
John Hiller is a cheerleader. Amanda Boon is a cheerleader. My wife, Debbie is a cheerleader. (I could mention several more in our church).
I always leave their presence feeling better about our church.
Cheerleaders cheer all the way to the end of the game and will act like the team is winning by a big score even when there may be no way that a victory is possible.
Their job is to be a cheerleader.
We need cheerleaders at Stone Church (there are enough critics).
Recently, we've received an influx of people coming who walk in with broken lives, hurting because of life in general. They need to run into cheerleaders - people who are willing to cheer them on and tell them that they are going to make it.
They need someone to step aside the normal groups they hang out with in the foyer on a Sunday morning and reach out - reach out with love, acceptance and forgiveness.
May that be us!
I encourage you today - the next time you come on a Sunday morning - look around for someone to encourage!
Be a cheerleader - and God will bless you for it.
Am I going to be a critic - or am I going to be a cheerleader?
I love to hang around positive, encouraging people.
Churches especially need what every football (sports teams) have: Cheerleaders.
The job of a cheerleader is to tell everybody, "we're going to make it." No matter how bad things looks on the scoreboard, there is still hope!
Frank Wolf is a cheerleader. David Dewes is a cheerleader. Joan Minsky is a cheerleader.
John Hiller is a cheerleader. Amanda Boon is a cheerleader. My wife, Debbie is a cheerleader. (I could mention several more in our church).
I always leave their presence feeling better about our church.
Cheerleaders cheer all the way to the end of the game and will act like the team is winning by a big score even when there may be no way that a victory is possible.
Their job is to be a cheerleader.
We need cheerleaders at Stone Church (there are enough critics).
Recently, we've received an influx of people coming who walk in with broken lives, hurting because of life in general. They need to run into cheerleaders - people who are willing to cheer them on and tell them that they are going to make it.
They need someone to step aside the normal groups they hang out with in the foyer on a Sunday morning and reach out - reach out with love, acceptance and forgiveness.
May that be us!
I encourage you today - the next time you come on a Sunday morning - look around for someone to encourage!
Be a cheerleader - and God will bless you for it.
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